Feed recommendations?

[Kkakes414]

When I got my chicks my local feed store and Blue Seal Multi-flock starter and I’ve been feeding my pullets that, the feeding instructions say that after 8 weeks you should switch layer pullets to a grower feed. Most other feeds are starter/grower and im looking for recommendations of a feed to switch too and will they be okay if I change completely to a starter grower instead?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can just keep them on starter until they're laying, or even starter for life as long as it's non medicated. Grower feeds generally have a little less protein or might be in slightly larger pieces but that's about the only difference between grower and starter, if even that.

 

[jpalmatier83]

They’ll need calcium at some point (when they start to lay or just before).

You can do that by changing them to layer feed (added calcium) or supplementing with oyster or egg shell.

That’s basically the two ways to choose between. Starter/grower with supplemental calcium. Or switch to layer.

You can get WAY down in the weeds about what constitutes a perfect feed, but if you do one of those two options you’re 98% right.

 

[Folly's place]

Look at the mill dates on your available feeds, and pick something that you can use up within two months of it's mill date if possible. I like the 20% protein all-flock feeds, or at least a 18% protein feed, with oyster shell on the side for the extra calcium needed by actively laying hens.
Mary

 

[Brooks_]

Good advise above - I would only add that many recommend mixing feed when switching. I do not think that it matters that much as the ingredients in all feeds are so similar.

 

[Kkakes414]

Thank you all for the advice! My email did not notify me of your responses so I apologize for the late view

 

[jpalmatier83]

Thank you all for the advice! My email did not notify me of your responses so I apologize for the late view

Better late than never. Hope it helps.