Feed Question

[bremat]

I am feeding my chicks, chick starter. The directions say to feed for first 8 weeks. I feed my adult chickens layer crumbles. The directions say not to feed until they are 18 weeks. So my question is, what do I feed them weeks 9 through 17? Is there an all purpose feed for that?

 

[ella]

Some brands of feed will have a 'grower' formula for that age group.

I never had access to it so I just fed starter until after they started laying. Worked just fine, my 6 year olds are still around and laying.

It's important not to give layer feed to chicks, they have difficulty excreting the extra calcium and it can cause organ damage. But chick feed is fine for any age group.

 

[Mahonri]

My feed stores sell grower finisher for weeks 8-19.

 

[bremat]

Quote:
Is it ok even if it is medicated?

 

[ella]

Depends on the medication, Amprolium is fine for any age it's not an antibiotic.

Anything that ends in -mycin or -cillin is not great, but probably won't kill them.

 

[bremat]

Quote:
ok, thanks! I will have to check tomorrow what I have. It is Orshelyn brand.

 

[ella]

If you do have chick feed for your hens, be sure to put out a bowl of oyster shell for them. They'll pick up the extra calcium they need, the youngsters will leave it alone.

Worked great for me this winter. They all loved the extra protien but only the layers messed with the oyster shell.

 

[bremat]

Quote:
Thank you so much. I am trying to figure out how I am going to feed all my chickens separately once the chicks get big enough to go in with the adults, since the chicks do not need to eat the food I have out for the big ones. I will probably have to fix up a whole new coop for them, but I let them out to free range during the day and leave their coop open for them to eat, drink, lay and rest, etc. Any ideas for that one?