Feed for day old chics

[All about the EGG]

Ok, I get it.

This bag has a lot of feed. I use it from day one until when? Kind of sounds like personal preference. Thanks.

 

[crooked stripe]

I took a look at the feed bag after reading this post. I placed it in the basement so it would be ready when needed. It is made by Purina Mills and is a medicated starter. The feed was all over the floor. It looks like a mouse was hungry and made a hole for himself. It said from hatch till 18 weeks then start layer feed. I guess I should have read it earlier. With the medicated type it should keep the mice healthy too. Our lazy cat doesn't bother them at all. John

 

[crooked stripe]

http://www.purinamills.com/OurProducts.aspx?product=poultry Here is the web site. Very informative. John

 

[All about the EGG]

Quote:
Thanks for the link! I was able to find a dealer 10 minutes from my house, and he can talk chicken! Looks like I will be going there. Thanks, again!

 

[professor_yellow]

I was brought up with the rule of thumb that 2 weks medicated starter mash, then switched to non medicated starter crumles for additional 6 weeks. The starter is really about a higher protien percentage to get them going strong. After the 8 weeksm then switch to a grower ration with protienn around 17 percent for 12 more weeks, then switch over to the layer pellets.

I prefer pellets as soon as they are old enough to eat them, since the ones that go to the gound or floor will be picked up. Not the case with crumbles, hence more waste.

This december I tried something different. i got 13 Pekin ducks from metzner farms, and 25 RIR from Ideal. Waterfowl should not have medicated feed or suppliments in water so i fer both chicken and ducks a Turkey Starter mash, non medicated. After 3 weeks switched tio the crumbl form with same formula. At five weeks the ducks (which weigh in around 3 to 4 pounds) now eat pellets, and the chicks on crumbles.

I collect greens from a grocery store and chop them in the food processor daily. In addition I feed them organic juice pulp from a health bar.

Seems to be working great.

 

[silkiechicken]

It depends on the type of starter mash as some take 6 weeks to help build the immunity to cocci in the chicks. It is also dependent on where you get your feed, as many places have only start/grow formulas you feed for all 16. At least that is what I find out here.