Everything's great...I think...am I forgetting anything?

[Feathered Landings]

I want to start by thanking BYC for this wonderful website...so much info, it's the only place I go now. I'm really new to raising chickens and am wondering if I'm missing anything. My 5 pullets are all 10 weeks old and the guinea fowl is 9 weeks. I feeding them a mixture of chick feed and game bird feed (for protein) along with some treats (scratch, grit, bread and vegie scraps) Should I be giving them anything else at this age? I hear a lot about oyster shells and so on and I'm not sure when to start giving them that. Also, should I be putting any meds or vitamins in their water, or do you only do that when there's a health problem. They're all healthy, at least as far as I can tell, and all get along great. I don't want to jinx a good thing, I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I should be doing for them. Any and all suggestions, stories of your first chicks, or experiences are greatly appreciated (even if not food related)-I don't want to miss anything.
Thanks-Rachel

 

[Cetawin]

Congrats on them. You can switch them (chickens) anytime now (10 -12 weeks old) to a raiser feed with less protein and once they start laying, then go to layer feed and add the oyster shell. The purpose of the oyster shell is the calcium to give them strong shells.

The guineas I am unsure of. Someone with experience with them will hop in.

You can give those pullets scrambled egg, steamed plain rice, cooked oatmeal, fresh veggies and plain yogurt for treats. Oh in summer when it is hot....cut a watermelong in half and give them half. OMG they love it and go nuts.

I would not put meds or anything in their water unless there is a need. When it gets hotter weather consistently (over 80 degrees daily), I usually add some electrolytes to their water. Just to keep them hydrated better. It is not necessary I just prefer to give them the extra in the heat. I have all heavt girls.

 

[Feathered Landings]

Thanks so much for replying. We just finished the bag of chick feed, so the next one I get will be the raiser feed. I have a watermelon right now, for my kids mainly, but I could give some to them...should be loads of fun to watch. It normally doesn't get too hot here in the summer (maybe a week or two if we're lucky) but if it does, I will take your advice on the electrolytes for them...great idea. I just love our chickens so much and want to make sure I'm doing everything that I can for them so thank you again for your reply. Rachel