Feeding the chicks

[Emerald64]

I have three chicks (age 7 wks.) that are going out in the coop this weekend. I have been feeding them medicated chick feed up to this point. This was recommended by Southern States. How long do I use this feed? The store says sixteen weeks, but that sounds extreme. What do I go to next? Can I switch from ground to pellet?

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I generally switch my chicks from a crumb to growers pellet at 8-10 weeks of age. By this age they are fully feathered and out in a coop and run. At first I just gradually mix in a few pellets with the crumb so they can get used to it I also have grit available for them at this point too so they can digest the pellets. I then leave them on growers untill they lay at which point I switch to a layers pellet. Too much calcium from the layers can affect their growth if given it to young.

Good luck with your chicks and enjoy BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

London Coop gave you very good advice based on her experiences. So I will just say Welcome to Backyard chickens, so glad you joined the flock.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You can stop this feed at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The ingredient in this feed, Amprolium helps to prevent Coccidiosis. The most vulnerable time for chicks is 2 to 6 weeks of age. At some point you want your chicks to become immune as well. By 8 weeks of age, your birds immune system is developed enough to stop using this feed. Do it gradually by mixing 50/50 mix if medicated and regular feed for a few weeks before switching over completely to regular feed.

Great to have you aboard and welcome to our flock!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

This is the way I've always done it:

HATCH DAY TO 8 WEEKS
Feed-18-20% (protein) Starter chick feed.
Water-Avilable at all times with unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar added to it. (One teaspoon per quart.)
Treats-Chicks this age don't usually eat anything but their feed. However, you can try giving them scrambled eggs, (no salt) oatmeal and fresh herbs.
Calcium-None.

8 WEEKS TO 18 WEEKS
Feed-18% (protein) Grower feed. Note: If you fed an 18% starter feed then the chicks do not need to be switched to the grower. However, if they had a 20% starter feed, they do need to be switched to the 18% grower feed.
Water-Avilable at all times with unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar added to it. (One teaspoon per quart.)
Treats-Add new things such as grass, melon, corn, peas, rice, bread, etc.
Calcium-None.

18 WEEKS AND UP
Feed-16% (protein) layer feed.
Water-Avilable at all times with unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar added to it. (One teaspoon per quart.) You can also put garlic in as well.
Treats-Anything healthy and good for them. (Remember, treats should only take up 10% of the chickens' daily diet.)
Calcium-Oyster shells or crushed, rinsed eggshells available at all times in a separate dish from the layer feed.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[nj2wv]

Welcome to BYC !!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[Emerald64]

Thank you so much. This is a big help.