Chick Feed

[Kaitlinrm0923]

We have had a hard time keeping chick feed for our babies. They go through a 30 pound bags in less than 2 weeks. Can I start mixing the feed with some other things to help them stay full? They will be 3 months on June 14.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

How many chicks do you have? Are you sure some other critter isn't helping themselves? Where do you keep their feed at night?

 

[The Moonshiner]

What feed are you feeding them?
Maybe sourcing it from another location would save $$$
Maybe a different type or brand?
Idk "30" lb bag sounds like one of those fancy overpriced chicken feeds.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You could switch them to an all-flock feed. If you have older birds, everyone can eat this, even your layers. Just provide oyster shell for calcium in a separate vessel, the laying hens will help themselves and all others will give it a pass.

 

[Folly's place]

We use either a medicated chick starter, or an all-flock feed, in 50 pound bags, checking mill dates on each bag to make sure it's fresh.
Typically it's three pounds of feed per each pound of weight gain for most/ many chickens. That's a lot of feed, and trying to add cheaper ingredients isn't going to produce better birds.
Buying good feed matters, but it's not necessary to get the fanciest product, just because it costs more, or whatever.
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The OP hasn't been back since their first post.

 

[Kaitlinrm0923]

How many chicks do you have? Are you sure some other critter isn't helping themselves? Where do you keep their feed at night?

I have 14. Other critters can’t get to it. It’s placed inside at night.

 

[Kaitlinrm0923]

What feed are you feeding them?
Maybe sourcing it from another location would save $$$
Maybe a different type or brand?
Idk "30" lb bag sounds like one of those fancy overpriced chicken feeds.

Sadly I have to alternate between Dumor and another brand because our TSC has a hard time keeping chick feed in. I’m open to anything! Right now the only brands that they consistently keep is a very pricey brand

 

[Kaitlinrm0923]

The OP hasn't been back since their first post.

Sorry I was asleep

 

[Kaitlinrm0923]

We use either a medicated chick starter, or an all-flock feed, in 50 pound bags, checking mill dates on each bag to make sure it's fresh.
Typically it's three pounds of feed per each pound of weight gain for most/ many chickens. That's a lot of feed, and trying to add cheaper ingredients isn't going to produce better birds.
Buying good feed matters, but it's not necessary to get the fanciest product, just because it costs more, or whatever.
Mary

Thanks