Feed

[R20]

New to chickens and a bit confused about feeding! Everyone does it differently, Hence the confusion. Our flock of 6 arrives i a week. What is a good economical feed for my chickens? Don’t want to go cheap-cheap but don’t want to break the bank. They won’t free range much if they destroy gardens, flower beds, dogs and cats chase them.

 

[Brooks_]

Dumor starter/grower 20% protein will do fine to start. Medicated or not is a personal call based on local factors.

 

[Brooks_]

Dumor starter/grower 20% protein will do fine to start. Medicated or not is a personal call based on local factors.

Sorry, I should have asked your general location.

Where in the world are you?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Welcome to BYC and the wild world of chickening! Don't forget they will need chick grit when you are ready to add treats like dried worms or, in fact, anything besides starter/ grower feed. You're gonna have so much fun!

 

[Kiki]

New to chickens and a bit confused about feeding! Everyone does it differently, Hence the confusion. Our flock of 6 arrives i a week. What is a good economical feed for my chickens? Don’t want to go cheap-cheap but don’t want to break the bank. They won’t free range much if they destroy gardens, flower beds, dogs and cats chase them.

Go to your local feed store and buy chick crumbles sometimes sold as chick starter.

Do not buy scratch and do not buy layer pellets or a layer type feed.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Go to your local feed store and buy chick crumbles sometimes sold as chick starter.

Do not buy scratch and do not buy layer pellets or a layer type feed.

Kiki's right. Layer feed has calcium they don't need at this age.

 

[R20]

Sorry, I should have asked your general location.

Where in the world are you?

North Central Texas (Granbury)

 

[R20]

Go to your local feed store and buy chick crumbles sometimes sold as chick starter.

Do not buy scratch and do not buy layer pellets or a layer type feed.

My new chickens are 2 year old adults.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My new chickens are 2 year old adults.

Well that does make a difference. Layer feed is for layers, that is to say, hrns that are actively laying. If you have a mixed flock of different genders; if some are too young or too old to lay, or they go into molt, those birds don't need calcium and it can negatively affect their livers. Some recommend feeding an all-flock formula and just providing oyster shell in a separate feeder. Those birds that require it will free-feed it as needed.