Chicks are veracious eaters!

[gal4chicks]

My 22 RIR chicks are now 5-1/2 weeks old and I cannot keep their feeder FULL! They seem to be very hungry. They are still on Chick Starter Crumbles. I'm wondering if I can start them on the Layer PELLETS yet although the pkg instructions say to keep them on the crumbles until they are 18 weeks old. At this rate, I'll go bankrupt trying to keep them satisfied. Is there something I can supplement them with so they stay satisfied longer?

I was filling their chick feeder twice a day. Today, my hubby made me a new feeder that is about 4ft long and 4" deep. I filled it this morning and it is gone already this evening. Any ideas?

 

[KristineY]

1. 
   I keep my chicks on starter for 8 weeks and then a grower formula (a bit lower protein than a layer feed). For a group of 11 7 week old chicks I'm using a 13 pound feeder (Blenheim) which I fill half-way a few times a week. They are eating and pooping machines but growing so fast they need to be!

 

[drumstick diva]

They aren't ready for layer feed - they can't handle the calcium.

Are you sure you don't have uninvited guests coming for breakfast, lunch and dinner - in the form of sparrows, cats, dogs, raccoons, rats, mice etc. etc. A lot of bandits love chicken feed.

Are they wasting a lot of feed by spilling it or contaminating it in waterers etc. Do they have a large run where they can eat weeds and bugs? Or can you have them free range under supervision?

Are they getting enough water, sometimes they eat when they are really thirsty. Are you using a good brand of feed? Cheap stuff may not be filling them up.

Do the birds look and feel filled up after eating, or are they thin despite all the food.? You know 22 chicks is a lot to feed

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, gal4chicks, and

! Great to have you with us! Drumstick's advice is right on! Good luck to you!

 

[gal4chicks]

Well, I'm not too worried about critters visiting the feeder. They are in a well fenced/enclosed large run area complete with weeds and bugs. They are healthy and running around all over the place and have plenty (5 gal auto waterer) of fresh water. I use a good quality feed as far as I know, Nutrena brand. My other option is to let them free-range a bit I reckon. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Another thing about these chicks......I'm convinced they recognize my voice from when they were in the egg. I had them in my kitchen so they could hear me/hubby talking while they were growing. Now, they come running when they see me and beg to be petted and PICKED UP! They are so SOCIAL. Much more than my current hens have EVER been. I'm hoping not to get too attached to them as I won't be keeping many of them. But, I think this is unusual behavior for chicks, or maybe not. At least, I've never had any that followed me around and wanted to be 'friendly'. Too cute!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hi and

Yes, it's quite normal for chickens to be very hungry. Free ranging is a good idea. When we can, we let our chooks out and they tackle all the untouched corners of our garden, and they generally don't eat as much feed then.

Chickens are very social, especially if you raise them from when they're small. They do get used to people and like to follow you round.

Have fun!

 

[liz9910]

is your feeder hanging or sitting on the ground? Chickens will waste a ton of food, especially chicks.

 

[CedarAcres]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!

Chicks do eat a lot! They need fuel for their growing bodies. If possible, I'd hang their feeders. Chicks can waste quite a lot of food. Good luck!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!