feed...

[alex]

What should i be feeding my chickens....right now im feeding them starter feed mixed with scratch...there5 months old...is that enough?? i have a hen and roosters.

 

[devora]

Are they laying? I switched to layer feed a bit before 5 mos. b/c I was running our of grower feed.

 

[allen wranch]

From hatch to point of lay (about 20 weeks) feed starter or grower or combination. Around 18-20 weeks switch to layer feed. Laying hens need the feed specifically made for them because of the added calcium. Chicks don't need the calcium and it can be harmful.

Scratch is OK as a treat but it dilutes the protein content of your regular feed. Too much corn in the scratch can make them fat and cause laying problems.

This is just the basics.

 

[Marlinchaser]

If they are not freeranging layer feed should be all you need, but I would cut out the scratch, just give little as treat. I also give mine oyster shell if they get lots of other than layer pellets they might not get enough calcium for egg production which should be starting soon

.

 

[bayouchica]

Hi Alex, I found out early on not to mix scratch with their regular feed, they waste alot of feed going for the scratch.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

If it was me, I would also offer a non-layer food for the roosters to eat, so they don't get too much calcium. The hens could also have some oyster shell offered, in case they eat some of the rooster's food and need a little more calcium.

 

[s6bee]

I read to not give any more scratch than what they can eat in a 20 minute time frame. So for now just stick with grower till they start laying and some other treats.

 

[KingsCalls]

Alex, Scratch has a lot of cracked corn in it. If you feed scratch, mix your feed 1 part scratch to 5 parts of (whatever).....laying pellets, grower ration or what ever you are going to use.