Chick feed?

[AlexEve]

My chicks are going on 8 weeks old now, and I have been feeding them 20% feed (labeled as “starter/grower) for their whole lives. How long should I feed them this, when should I switch over to normal chicken feed? Will eating 20% feed for this long affect their egg laying later on in life?

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

My understanding is keep them on starter/grower until 16 weeks old or when they start to lay. Then, switch them to layer feed. I’m not sure about 20% protein. The starter/grower I use is 18%.

 

[AlexEve]

My understanding is keep them on starter/grower until 16 weeks old or when they start to lay. Then, switch them to layer feed. I’m not sure about 20% protein. The starter/grower I use is 18%.

Great! Thanks

 

[Gooseface]

When they all start laying, switch them to layer feed.

 

[AlexEve]

When they all start laying, switch them to layer feed.

Im going to get some new day olds soon, which will mean about a 2 month age difference. Would it be ok if these new chicks start using layer feed early?

 

[Kiki]

Im going to get some new day olds soon, which will mean about a 2 month age difference. Would it be ok if these new chicks start using layer feed early?

No.

You do not want to put chicks on layer feed too early.
Layer feed has too much calcium in it for chicks.

You can continue to feed ALL of the chicks the starter/grower feed until the younger group is old enough for the layer feed. If you do this just buy the oyster shell and offer it in a dish on the side for the older girls when it's time.

 

[muddy75]

I feed meat bird exclusively to all my birds and never had an issue with laying even with my standard and bantam chickens
An all-flock May be an option as well but I definitely wouldn’t worry about a change quite yet

 

[AlexEve]

No.

You do not want to put chicks on layer feed too early.
Layer feed has too much calcium in it for chicks.

You can continue to feed ALL of the chicks the starter/grower feed until the younger group is old enough for the layer feed. If you do this just buy the oyster shell and offer it in a dish on the side for the older girls when it's time.

I’m currently using limestone grit. Will I need oyster shell grit on top of that?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I’m currently using limestone grit. Will I need oyster shell grit on top of that?

Why are you using limestone grit? Doesn’t limestone have lots of calcium in it? Are you feeding that to the chicks?

 

[AlexEve]

Why are you using limestone grit? Doesn’t limestone have lots of calcium in it? Are you feeding that to the chicks?

Yes, I’m using a fine limestone grit meant for chicks. I have it in a dish below their feeder so they can swallow as much as they need. Is limestone bad for chicks?