Feeding cockerels and pullets.....

[MissNutmeg]

Hey there! So I was just how old does my chicks need to be in order to eat adult feed?




~Meg, the very naive chicken lover

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

My chicks eat adult feed starting day 2 (or day one if they are able). When I have chicks, I use a feed low in calcium that is 20% protein (Purina Flock Raiser). Once they are grown I'll probably go with a cheaper one that is also low in calcium, but less protein.

 

[MissNutmeg]

How old would you consider grown? Like six months?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

How old would you consider grown? Like six months?

Not sure yet. Maybe 5 months. I'm sure others know better than I do.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I believe your speaking of layer feed. Or are you talking about taking them off of medicated feed? If you use medicated they can move to another feed at 8-10 weeks. Layer feed is exactly that, for actively laying birds. It has 2 to 3 times the calcium for egg shells. Anytime from POL birds, combs turning red to when birds begin lay is when you can transition to it. 5-6 months of age unless you've a very early to lay breed then 4ish months of age. You can also stay on the feed you have and simply supply oyster shell free choice, I toss a handful or two on ground every two weeks for added calcium.

 

[MissNutmeg]

I believe your speaking of layer feed. Or are you talking about taking them off of medicated feed? If you use medicated they can move to another feed at 8-10 weeks. Layer feed is exactly that, for actively laying birds. It has 2 to 3 times the calcium for egg shells. Anytime from POL birds, combs turning red to when birds begin lay is when you can transition to it. 5-6 months of age unless you've a very early to lay breed then 4ish months of age. You can also stay on the feed you have and simply supply oyster shell free choice, I toss a handful or two on ground every two weeks for added calcium.

I do use Purina medicated chick feed right now. I guess they are okay if I used it up until the pullets start laying?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Medicated feed costs more. It's not needed for most locations and if used only needed to 8 or so weeks. It's a matter of doing nothing and costing more. It's your choice if you buy another bag. I'd just pick up a bag of grower feed the next time or gamebird finisher if wanting to switch to pellet form. Feed stores sell oyster shell in bulk too. Weigh out 5 lbs of that while your at it so your all set when pullets come into lay. 5 lbs at a handful per week goes a long way and it's only 40 cents per pound.

 

[MissNutmeg]

Medicated feed costs more. It's not needed for most locations and if used only needed to 8 or so weeks. It's a matter of doing nothing and costing more. It's your choice if you buy another bag. I'd just pick up a bag of grower feed the next time or gamebird finisher if wanting to switch to pellet form. Feed stores sell oyster shell in bulk too. Weigh out 5 lbs of that while your at it so your all set when pullets come into lay. 5 lbs at a handful per week goes a long way and it's only 40 cents per pound.

Okay cool.

 

[MissNutmeg]

Thanks for your insight y'all!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Medicated feed costs more. It's not needed for most locations and if used only needed to 8 or so weeks. It's a matter of doing nothing and costing more. It's your choice if you buy another bag. I'd just pick up a bag of grower feed the next time or gamebird finisher if wanting to switch to pellet form. Feed stores sell oyster shell in bulk too. Weigh out 5 lbs of that while your at it so your all set when pullets come into lay. 5 lbs at a handful per week goes a long way and it's only 40 cents per pound.

Which gamebird finisher are you referring to?

Our feed store doesn't have oyster shell in bulk but at TSC a 50# bag is under $10 and even with all my birds has lasted over a year so it is definitely an inexpensive supplement.