Feed questions and basic bragging

[WindcrestChickens]

O.k. so I feel SOOO incredibly "capable" right now. Friends can't believe we moved to a farm, and are astounded that I have chickens now....This weekend I cleaned out the coop in the barn, emptied everything out, cleaned, washed, set up the new stuff etc. Then I got the girls the hell out of the living room (that dust is GROSS). They are in their "big girl beds" and loving life. They are 5 weeks old and huge. I just feel like I know what I am doing, and it feels good.

My husband bought a bag of adult layer feed not realzing I had been feeding them Poulins chick starter. Is it o.k. to give them this or will I cause huge harm (sad sarcastically and realizing I sound like a new mom wondering whether I can supplement breastmilk with just a tiny bit of formula so I could sleep a little bit at night????)

 

[mmajw]

I would save that bag for a few weeks and continue to give them starter. I mix pellets with starter when they are about 8 weeks to wean them for the starter.

 

[equine chick]

I agree with above poster. Your chicks need the starter feed. The other feed will keep. They need starter til right before they start laying, around 18 weeks you can switch.

 

[justusnak]

Yup, you definately want to keep them on starter...or starter/finisher untill they are about 18 weeks. Layer feed has way too much calcium and can cause damage to them. Short term...if thats all you have, a day or two wont hurt.
Congrats on getting them outside! I am sure you ALL will be happier! LOL

 

[WindcrestChickens]

Thanks everyone - yes they are sooo much happier. ..and so am I...

 

[wynedot55]

keep that sack of feed till they are 16 weeks on then start them on layer feed.an keep them on starter/grower feed till 16 weeks.