Changing feed type, mix it or just do switch?

[drinkoj]

Question is, should I mix the starter/grower I already have and add all flock/flock raiser, so they can ease into the new type of feed?

Chickens are hitting 17 weeks and I'm down to about 15 pounds of starter/grower feed and need to get some more feed. I will be switching to all flock/flock raiser using oyster shell on the side when I change over.

 

[LaFleche]

It is always best to mix it for about 7-10 days as sudden food changes can cause a spontaneous molt.

 

[drinkoj]

It is always best to mix it for about 7-10 days as sudden food changes can cause a spontaneous molt.

THANKS! I figured it was just like changing dog and cat food types, gradual and over time.

 

[LaFleche]

THANKS! I figured it was just like changing dog and cat food types, gradual and over time.

Exactly. Give them time to adjust and all will be fine.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can do it either way. I actually do a complete swap, reason being the chickens will generally dig through the mixed feed in search of the feed they're used to, and I hate dealing with feed waste. Giving them only the new feed forces them to try it and eat it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

should I mix the starter/grower I already have and add all flock/flock raiser, so they can ease into the new type of feed?

If you are staying with the same type of feed crumbles and the same type of ingredients like soy/corn and protein is within 2% you should be fine.
I switch occasionally between a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% and All-Flock crumble 20% when the Starter-Grower isn't available.

When I used to switch to a pellet I mixed it into the Crumble for a week or two.
I also mixed it into Scratch Grains and scattered on dry ground as a treat. My first Flock Golden Comets readily ate the Pellets off the ground and from the feeder.
My second and current Flock have always been fed crumbles.

GC

 

[rayrose]

I started mine on Dumor 20% starter /grower crumble, which they loved. I have a mixed flock so went to an all flock. Wanted to stay with a 20% crumble and the only one I could find was Purina. They wouldn't touch it, mainly because the bag was half
dust. So I switched to Nutrena 20% all flock pellets. I had been concerned about switching from crumbles to pellets, but the pellets are really small and they made the transition immediately and gobble it up, and NO dust.
When I contacted Purina about their product, they totally ignored me. Will never buy Purina again. Luckily, I can make into a soupy mash, which they'll eat.