Feed running out... Ordered more but....

[kerroppi76]

My chicks are only just over a week now so i hope that this stays true . . . we ran low on medicated started and called the local feed store and was told that the chicks can/should stay on starter til tehy are 8 weeks old and their thoughts are that the chicks shoudl not be on medicated feed unless they are sick, which actually makes sence to me. I have a friend who lives near by who has older ladies and say that she goes to that same feed store and follows their advice. So I have switched my babies to non medicated (about 4 -5 days ago) and they are doing fine.

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
Yes that is the brand but I paid $5 for the feed and $6 for the shipping. The closest feed store to me sells starter and grower feed. Not starter/grower. I was only giving them the manna pro medicated so they don't get cocci. I don't want to waste the manna pro that was already shipped so I will just give that to them when it gets here. The feed store only sells 50# bags or larger. Should I get the grower or the starter? With having only 3 chicks (3 weeks old) I'm thinking it will last a long time.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Yes that is the brand but I paid $5 for the feed and $6 for the shipping. The closest feed store to me sells starter and grower feed. Not starter/grower. I was only giving them the manna pro medicated so they don't get cocci. I don't want to waste the manna pro that was already shipped so I will just give that to them when it gets here. The feed store only sells 50# bags or larger. Should I get the grower or the starter? With having only 3 chicks (3 weeks old) I'm thinking it will last a long time.

It depends upon what the difference is between their starter and grower feeds, usually the starters are anywhere from 18% on up in protein and the growers a little less. Without the knowing the details it's hard to say. I'd lean toward the grower until they are laying. Don't worry too much about it. They'll do fine on either.

Just buy a 50 lb bag. Yes, it will last a long time (probably eight weeks or more), but it will be gone before you need layer feed.

 

[Splinty]

The feed store near me sells Poulin Grain brand food. (poulingrain.com) She said it's not starter/grower combo. She told me that I can feed them the starter food till I run out then put them on grower till they are 5-6 months old. That's when she said they will start to lay. She also told me that if the starter food lasts till they are close to laying age I can just switch them to layer feed. Is this correct? I thought they lay between 14-18 weeks old. Can someone let me know what the right age for layer feed is please.

 

[2overeasy000]

It doesn't make that big of a difference. I started the layer when I saw my first egg. But, you can mix in anything you have leftover(starter, grower) with the layer until it runs out. They should be fine. I think the starter has more protein while they are growing and the layer has more calcium for the eggshells.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Her recommendation sounds fine. Switch them to layer feed when they start laying (or let them finish up the last bag of feed with some free choice oyster shell on the side and then switch them to layer feed). They usually start laying around 20 weeks, give or take a few weeks. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
Her recommendation sounds fine. Switch them to layer feed when they start laying (or let them finish up the last bag of feed with some free choice oyster shell on the side and then switch them to layer feed). They usually start laying around 20 weeks, give or take a few weeks. Your mileage may vary.

Thank you very much. I was nervous about switching feed without weening onto the new one. I know with my dogs and cats it was a transition to the next level of food so they didn't get upset shomachs. The Manna Pro I ordered will be her today but afte that bag is done I'll just go to my feed store. Thanks again.