Feed Schedule

[timbowsr]

So my not so small anymore chicks are about to finish up their first 50lb. bag of starter. They are nine weeks old and I was wondering what's next. Should I keep them on starter or begin switching them over to something else. Although I'm sure it's on here somewhere, could someone please give me a what should I be feeding and when. I know there's probably no real science to it .. and maybe there is ... but these are my first chickens so any advice or opinions are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[matt44644]

Feed the starter until they start to lay.Then switch to a layer feed.Somewhere between 18-24 weeks.

 

[MeepBeep]

Keep them on starter/grower until they start laying, really no reason to switch...

Once they are laying you can continue with the starter/grower until they are done with that bag just offer a side of oyster shells at this time...

If you have boys and girls it's probably best to switch to an 'all flock' feed (or similar 16-18%-ish non-calcium fortified feed) and then offer a side of oyster shells for the girls... This is what I do (and most do) with their mixed flocks as the calcium is detrimental to boys and even younger non laying hens...

** Look at the percentage of the feed, not all are created equal around me some of the lower end non-medicated starter/grower feeds are only 18%, you could realistically feed this indefinitely... But if your starter is one of the better 20%+ or so feeds, it's best to find something with a little less protein as they age...

 

[timbowsr]

Sounds good, thanks for the input. I was asking because I have about a 1/4 or a little less of the old bag, and if I needed to swap I figured it would be a good time to start "weaning" over to the new feed. But ... I'll leave 'em on starter until we get an egg! Thanks again.