Feed question...

[Ady Road Chicks]

My chicks are 4 weeks old and I just put them in Gen Pop (as my DH calls it). They are in their own fenced area but it is inside the field so everyone can see each other and get to know each other. They are sleeping in the main coop too but again, separated so there is no physical contact between the adults and the babies. At what age do you switch from Chick Starter? What do you feed them after the Chick Starter? When can they have fruits and veges? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[BeccaB00]

I have heard 8 weeks is ok the switch from chick starter but I keep my chicks on it as long as possible. They can eat fruits and veggies at 3 weeks, some fruit and veggies can be fed before 3 weeks.

edited to add in- Be sure to provide grit with anything other than starter!

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

I feed a layer broiler mix that is 18% protein after I take them off of chick starter. The 16% standard layer mix or 16% maintenance food is too low protein for optimum growth. As a treat I often throw dry cat food (31% protein) on the floor. I know how hard it can be to find the right feeds. Finding chicken feed is easy but the right feed for each stage of their growth is not always so easy. Good luck.