Couple quick questions - care and feeding of 11 week old pullets

shopchicks

Songster
10 Years
Sep 4, 2009
261
1
119
Boise, Idaho
Hi all, my chick order did not go through as planned, so I am getting some 11-week old pullets locally, and just wanted to ask a couple questions to make sure I'm equipped before I pick up the new girls, as I was all set for tiny peeps, not wild teenagers
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I bought chick grit, but it's unopened - should I use this, or exchange it for regular grit? At what age do they switch, or is it really critical to switch to regular grit?

I have a 50# bag of Purina Flock Raiser - it sounds like this feed is pretty much fine for any age of bird, as long as calcium is supplemented once they start laying, but I wanted to double check.

Should they start getting scratch at this age? Should I purchase the bag specifically labeled "scratch grains" or is there something better? I already have flax seed and whole oats on hand for my horse. I plan to add flax to the scratch, but don't know how much - can I also give them whole oats?

Also, this is the wrong forum, but I'll ask anyway: My roost is up at about 3'. Should I build a ramp or ladder up to it, and/or put in a lower temporary roost?
 
Congrats on getting your babies!!

I think the grit you have will be fine. Flock rasier is perfect for them. I feed mine "scratch grains" and their 8-13 weeks old!! Not sure about the flax seed & oats. Maybe someone else can help you out there. Not sure about the roost cause mines made like a ladder but I would think yes! Mine start at the bottom and work their way up to where they wanna be!!

Missi
 
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Thank you, I will put a temporary starter roost in there and get them some scratch when I return the chick feeder and brooder lamp. Glad I still had the receipt!
 
Can anyone tell me how much flax to give? I know horses are limited to 6 ounces per day, so I imagine there's a safe limit for chickens, too.
 

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