Confused as EVER about feeding round-th-clock or 12/12

[amyklinkhammer1]

Okay, I am totally confused. I got my first batch of 40 chickens 3 weeks ago. I got two breeds, my buff orpingtons were about 2-3 weeks old when I got them and the wyandottes were only a day or two old. The plan was to keep some for laying hens and some for butchering. I was told to put them on medicated starter feed and did so. I have had them ALL on 16% medicated feed around the clock and check on them at least 2-3 times per day. The guy at the feed store had told me to do this and now i am hearing that they will kill over if I do this. What do I do?

I have 5 Roosters of each breed so 10 roosters. The rest are hens or pullets. Am I killing my chickens or what? Will I arrive to check on them and see feet in the air one of these days? Am I suppose to feed them around the clock or only 12 hours at a time?

Also, they have been inside well cared for since they have arrived. They have plenty of room and some are perching... Not that this info matters. Someone please help me. I dont want to do this wrong and kill them. Thank you!

Amy of SD

 

[backyardmenagerie]

12 on/12 off is usually recommended for Cornish crosses, which have a unusually fast rate of growth. If you are just raising dual purpose breeds for meat, there is no reason why you can't feed them 24/7. If they are kept outside, they will naturally restrict themselves, since they won't eat at night, in the dark. But, again, doesn't really matter with dual purpose breeds that have a slower rate of growth.
PS- for the ones you are raising for meat, you may want to switch to a higher protein food. 16% is really low for a chick starter, and may slow their growth. Also, some people would say to switch to unmedicated, since you intend to eat them.

 

[amyklinkhammer1]

Thank you I LOVE YOU!

 

[CarriageStone]

I agree completely. Our layers have feed out there all the time -- free will feeding. We've had no problems. Sounds like the guy at the feed store was confused. Like the lady at my local Southern States who told the guys when they were opening the boxes with chicks to "not touch them with your bare hands!"

She was serious. When I told her it would be OK, she said "what do you know about ckickens?"

"Enough to not buy 'em here."