Chicks and Medicated Feed

[Little Miss Chick]

How long should I keep my chicks on medicated feed and once they are off, what is the next step? I've been told I can take them off anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 weeks and that the next step would be layena crumbles.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

This is not really the correct section, but do not put them on layer rations until they begin laying (or just before). Too much calcium is hard on them. Some places have a grower ration available. Turkey/gamebird rations can work well as an intermediate feed. Read labels and make sure they are getting a good amount of protein (babies need ~21%; adults can take that much, but most layer feeds are a bit lower. I would not feed lower than 18% unless I wanted to induce a molt. Some layer rations are only 14%--WAY too low.

BTW, there is no reason you cannot feed medicated feed to older birds.