Feed advice for 8-10 week old pullets

[LyndallA]

I’m getting 14 pullets in two weeks and am wondering what to feed them. They’ll range in age from 8-12 weeks old. I’ve heard to keep feeding chick feed (not layer), but what kind and for how long? Thanks

 

[cavemanrich]

You can feed them chick feed their entire life. When they start to lay eggs, is when you can switch to layer feed.
Of course if you choose chick feed,, do offer them cracked oyster shells free-choice. Chickens do know what they need.
Also good to recycle the egg shells from eggs you eat. I do that continuously.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[LyndallA]

You can feed them chick feed their entire life. When they start to lay eggs, is when you can switch to layer feed.
Of course if you choose chick feed,, do offer them cracked oyster shells free-choice. Chickens do know what they need.
Also good to recycle the egg shells from eggs you eat. I do that continuously.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Thank you! Do you have a chick feed brand or composition you recommend?

 

[cavemanrich]

I just use the Feed store House brand. It is usually the most reasonable priced.
I also have layers, and non layers,, so, I use an Alflock pellet feed.
Here is the info for you.
Alflock feed is intended for chickens and other birds, (ducks, geese, guineas, Etc. )
It is 2% calcium. That is good amount of calcium for regular chicken, and rooster diet.
Laying hens do need extra calcium. That is where the free-choice cracked oyster shells, and spent egg shells come in play.
Layer feed is at 4% calcium. So all hens laying eggs do get somewhat sufficient calcium. Still good to provide extra free-choice. They will not overdose on such.

So now to the question of Layer feed to non laying hens, and roosters.
Simple answer. It will not kill them short term,, but prolonged higher levels of calcium in their diet lead to harm in their liver and kidneys.

 

[cavemanrich]

All my chickens are pets for me. I do eat the eggs, but not the chickens.
So many of my chickens enter their geriatric years. Then they no longer lay much.
My oldest chicken pulled 13 years. Had some go 11years. Many others 8 to 10.
Have been keeping chickens for over 20+ years now.