Do they need crumbles daily?

[ValerieJ]

Their grains are in a soup can size can and they share for 7 birds. their food food they get a pan and free eat all day.

Ok...that makes more sense to me. As long as they have the crumbles, or pellets, free range all day they will get what they need. BTW, if you are looking to save money on feed, try using pellets. I understand there is less spillage and loss of good food that way. I haven't tried it myself, but many on here recommend it. The food will go further.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

all of my girls and my 1 roo are adults. we have 3 babies, they DO have their momma. they're as big as the size of normal babies so they are out in the yard enjoying themselves, i will try to get pictures of every one

I feel better now. One more question. What are the crumbles formulated for? Age and sex. Are they starter, grower, layer or all flock crumbles?
Since you have a mixed flock, layer isn't suitable for roosters and non laying hens and chicks.

 

[ChrisisaGirl]

Thank you , they've only ever had crumbles but I found a great price on something and it's pellets and I wonder if they'd care!

Ok...that makes more sense to me. As long as they have the crumbles, or pellets, free range all day they will get what they need. BTW, if you are looking to save money on feed, try using pellets. I understand there is less spillage and loss of good food that way. I haven't tried it myself, but many on here recommend it. The food will go further.

 

[ChrisisaGirl]

They're for layers and all age, I believe. I can ge a picture. the roo volunteered himself to our flock about 7 months ago lol

I feel better now. One more question. What are the crumbles formulated for? Age and sex. Are they starter, grower, layer or all flock crumbles?
Since you have a mixed flock, layer isn't suitable for roosters and non laying hens and chicks.

 

[ChrisisaGirl]

They eat this.

 

[ValerieJ]

They eat this.

Scratch grains are not crumbles or pellets. You're looking for something like this:

There are more choices if you go to a farm store, but you are looking for something that is formulated in a crumble or a pellet. Honestly, I'm no expert on chicken nutrition needs, that's why I would only use this. I can't possibly come up with a balanced diet for them on my own, and I put too much love and effort into them to end up with malnourished, sick or dead birds. It sure isn't cheap by any means.

 

[Kiki]

They eat this.

This is not a balanced feed.
This is like feeding them junk food all day everyday.
Don't buy this.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree, the scratch isn't a complete feed, it's like dessert for chickens.
If you have any roosters or chicks that aren't laying yet, I would feed everybody the flock raiser and offer oyster shell on the side in a separate dish.

 

[ChrisisaGirl]

Oh I guess Dad didn't know!Maybe that's why after a while he never got good egg laying even though they were about 6 and should still lay pretty nice. I just kept doing what he did and what the store told us. I don't remember how old they are now but I am sure I could reach back in history on here and guess it out

This is not a balanced feed.
This is like feeding them junk food all day everyday.
Don't buy this.

 

[ValerieJ]

Oh I guess Dad didn't know!Maybe that's why after a while he never got good egg laying even though they were about 6 and should still lay pretty nice. I just kept doing what he did and what the store told us. I don't remember how old they are now but I am sure I could reach back in history on here and guess it out

I think your most economical and effective way to go is to just get the flock raiser and have oyster shell on the side. I think you said they free range, so they should be able to glean the grit they need that way. If you stop all the treats, it wont hurt them, and that would be money saved. (I'm saying this because you were looking for a way to save money on their upkeep.) You're on the right track now!