Is their a chart or something to tell you when to start the regular type of feed. I found it once an never have again. I think after 8 weeks you can start useing something other then starter feed?????????????
My bags of starter all have had charts on the back. They vary a little though. The bag of Purina starter says to use it til they're 18 weeks then to go to Layer feed. That is for laying birds though.
If it's a starter-grower, then I think you can feed it up until one week prior to lay (or maybe it's until you see the first egg?). If it's just 'Starter,' then I think you switch to grower at some point in between. But that's very vague and I'm no expert, so.... I'll bump you and maybe someone else can give you some advice. Have you tried Googling what you're looking for? That might help a little. I'm sorry I can't really help you. I'm relatively new to BYC, too, but
for laying chickens use starter plus grit and occaisional treats until right before laying age (16-20 weeks) then switch to layer feed with oyster shells or some other calcium additive and grit...small amounts of scratch or oats/sweet feed, etc. Remember, fat hens do NOT lay eggs. The grower is more for meat chickens after six weeks of age, to help slow their growth so they do not break their legs with hteir huge weight gains. Grit should always be available...it is their teeth after all! I hope this helps!!
The Purina guy at the feed and seed CHICK DAY said Starter/Grower till 18 weeks or when you see the first egg then Layena. Since I don't know what I'm doing, that's my plan.
I am feeding my chicks a product that is medicated starter/grower. When I see eggs I will switch to layer and free choice oyster shells. eta apparently the starter/grower feed cuts out the need to switch from a chick starter to a grower feed. I am just following directions on the bag.
I use medicated Starter crumbles up to 8 weeks. Grower Crumbles or pellets from 8 weeks until you get your first egg. Layer from first egg on. If I use medicated Starter/Grower I feed it to the birds until I get my first egg then I switch over to Layer. If I have any Starter/Grower or Grower left over when I get my first egg I mix in the leftover feed with the Layer feed. I have never had any problems. The medication in medicated Starter/Grower crumbles is sulfa based and only helps the chicks in developing their immunity to cocci. There is only a problem eating the eggs if the birds have had the medicated feed when they start to lay and you have any alergies to Sulfa.
