Confused over feed

[Fluttershy17]

I have seven chicks that are between 7 and 8 weeks old. When should I switch from starter feed to grower feed? They have been in the coop and in their run for around four weeks now, if that matters. I tossed the tag that was on the bag, but I’ve seen people say they should be switched around this age, at 10 weeks, and upwards of 20 weeks. I’m very confused. They are only going to be used as laying hens when they get older. The feed they are on now is non medicated. Any help is appreciated.

 

[featheredplanets]

They don’t need to be switched to a different feed until they start laying. Even then, you can still keep them on chick feed. Just provide free choice oyster shell from 16 weeks+.

If you do want to switch feeds, chick to grower, you can do it whenever. People who do usually make the switch at 6 weeks of age.

 

[Perris]

As featheredplanets said, you don't have to switch; I'd use the chick crumb till it runs out, then consider the options available where you are. The extra calcium (oyster shell) will be needed only if you do not opt for layer feed, once they start laying.

 

[azygous]

If you were to compare the tags on all flock or grower feed and starter feed, you would discover the ingredients and proportions are almost exactly the same. For this reason, I never even bother with chick starter at all. My new chicks get the same feed as the rest of the flock.

I never feed layer rations to my laying hens. They also eat the same all flock feed as the rest of the flock, only with oyster shell available as free choice.

Juggling several different kinds of feed is unnecessary and expensive. Oh, wait. That may be the point.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I just have pullets that are 14 weeks. The tub of starter is almost gone..the I’ll buy pellets..they’ve already tried them and love them because we have older chickens and ducks...

 

[sealer39]

My chickens, whether chicks, pullets, hens or roosters get Purina Flock Raiser . Then oyster shell on the side when they are ready to start laying. Simple.

 

[aart]

My new chicks get the same feed as the rest of the flock.

Which is...what?

Mine do to Purina Flock raiser is good for all ages and genders.

the I’ll buy pellets

What kind of pellets? That just the shape of the feed.

If you were to compare the tags on all flock or grower feed and starter feed, you would discover the ingredients and proportions are almost exactly the same

Wise words here...learn to read the nutrition tags showing percentages of nutrients, especially protein and calcium.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

We buy our feed from local feed store ...it has the exact same ingredients as the Purina layer pellets..I took him the tag from the gg..they make food...they made me up my beet pulp and soybean meal for goats today too...

 

[Duckfarmer1]

We buy our feed from local feed store ...it has the exact same ingredients as the Purina layer pellets..I took him the tag from the gg..they make food...they made me up my beet pulp and soybean meal for goats today too...

The reason I use starter for chicks is because of the size of the bird and we typically have ducklings too...it’s just easier to keep them on the little stuff while they are little..and nutrition is same

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Juggling several different kinds of feed is unnecessary and expensive. Oh, wait. That may be the point.

Cynic!