Chick starter?

[Whoops]

This weekend, I had to go get a new bag of feed for my 11 week olds, and was debating starter verses layer this weekend. Or, at least, I went into the feed store, stared at the bags and asked the guy there what I should get them. I got them starter feed on the theory that they're eating like pigs, but if there is left over when their combs turn red, I can offer oyster shell as a side supplement. Just upgraded to a hanging feeder, too, and wow - they really do spill a lot less! It kind of freaked me out. I was concerned that they didn't know how to eat from it or I had it set too high. And my chickens were acting like they were starving when I would let them out to forage. It was getting quite concerning. I snuck a few dried meal worms in on top of the feed in the tray and they disappeared. So, apparently, my chickens lie. Shocking, I know.

 

[sepaditty1]

I don't have a hanging feeder. I have one that I made out of a bucket and an oil drip pan. I just recently learned firsthand what everyone was talking about with the scattering feed all over the place.

Someone on another thread mentioned placing it up higher, so I set it on a stump. There is enough room for them to perch on the edge of the stump to eat, but not enough room to really dig/thrash/whatever it is they do. It has helped a lot.

I'm not sure how pellets vs crumbles makes it better. Anyone know why?

 

[Whoops]

I expect that the powderyness of crumbles makes them harder to pick up, and the birds sift through them looking for the more textured bits.

 

[sepaditty1]

That makes sense. Maybe I should switch.

 

[cackleberrycam]

I don't have a hanging feeder. I have one that I made out of a bucket and an oil drip pan. I just recently learned firsthand what everyone was talking about with the scattering feed all over the place.

Someone on another thread mentioned placing it up higher, so I set it on a stump. There is enough room for them to perch on the edge of the stump to eat, but not enough room to really dig/thrash/whatever it is they do. It has helped a lot.

I'm not sure how pellets vs crumbles makes it better. Anyone know why?

Crumbles are eaiser for bantams to eat, and chickens eat more when they have crumbles, but nutritionaly they have no difference, becuase crumbles are broken down pellets.