Feeding chicks WRONG food

[chickendaddy'swife]

Hello, Just rescued 3- 2month old chicks from neighbor who bought them as a lark at Easter for his kids. They had no water or food and awful living conditions. They do not seem sick. They have just a bit of baby fluff still on their heads. The guy was feeding them Wal-mart brand laying hen feed. I have them on Layena medicated chick starter now but am wondering if the other feed will have an adverse effect on them?? How long should they be on the chick starter feed, bought 50#s.
Thank you,April

 

[realsis]

I use starter feed then go to grower around 3 months but as I understand it starter won't hurt them. what will hurt them is putting them on layer feed to early. as it has a lot of calcium in it and they have immature kidneys for that much calcium. at around 6 months or if they lay before that then change them to layer ration. your doing the right thing. your feed should not hurt them. if you like you can move up to grower feed but depending where you live it might not be available. they are very lucky you found them to save them! I'm sure they will do well now that your careing for them. I often wonder what happens to those Easter chicks people buy for there kids on Easter. its sad that they are not committed to raise those poor birds in a proper way. I'm so glad you were willing to help them! I wish you luck and God bless.

 

[Blue]

I have read that starting them on layer feed too early might cause reproductive problems later on when they're adults, but I don't know what other issues, if any, it could cause.

Random aside: Your Walmart sells chicken feed?!