feeding my chickens

[winnman]

Now as of Monday my Chickys were 8 weeks old. So when I bought them they told me to keep them on the Starter untill they were at least 12 weeks old. I use the Purina starter and they told me that would be all they would need. I did switch to a all organic feed when they were only one week old and have added grit since. When should I switch to reel Chicken feed?

 

[birdicus7]

They should stay on the starter until 10-12 weeks at least. They will not need grit on starter unless you feed treats. After the 10-12 weeks I switch to grower feed which is lower in protein. The theory is the lower protein gives the organs and internals more time to grow ensuring proper development. At 20-22 weeks I switch to layer. My birds all free range here so grit is a waste of time for me they never touch it. They should have free choice oyster shell also as they start to lay. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[winnman]

thank you again

 

[chisNchickens]

Free range chickens don't need grit? I thought they needed it to digest bugs, etc.? So if they don't need grit when eating starter or when free range...then when? Only if eating seeds or ?

 

[birdicus7]

I should clarify, if they free range you do not need to provide grit because they will find what they need as they scratch around. You as the chicken parent will need to provide grit to your chicks if they are eating anything other than starter. If they stay in a coop all the time once they go off starter grit will be needed.

 

[Dez]

I am glad you clarified about the grit because I was wondering.

I have 4 almost 5 week old chicks and I let them out in the yard everyday. I feed them starter crumbles. They scratch and peck and eat bugs they find. I also keep reptiles that eat crickets so there are always stray crickets around that have escaped and the chicks have been VERY good about eating those too....

I was wondering if I should go get some grit for them or let them have some sand to peck at... or will they find enough 'natural grit' out in the yard? I may put a little pile of sand out anyway

 

[Katydid2011]

Quote:
I take our younger pullets out to a grassy area in a portable pen on dry days and sit with them while they eat their salad and bugs.

They absolutely love their time in the grass but they need the grit because there's not much to be found in those grassy areas. Once they're older and out on the pasture, they find all they need naturally. It just depends on what's available for grit in your yard.