Finally got my first chicks

[Cordelia9]

Been batting the idea around for years, finally got my first chicks this year: 6 Delawares and 4 Rhode Island Reds, hoping for at least five hens out of the bunch. They are seven weeks old now, and three of the Delawares showing signs of roosterhood. Used this site's excellent advice to get them through the fuzzy chick stage with no complications. Now they're awkward teenagers living in a semi-portable coop and run setup.

Thanks for an excellent collection of info-- I hope to continue using the site for troubleshooting and general info.

Q: At what age are you supposed to switch from Chick starter feed to regular feed? And which regular feed do you switch to?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Cordelia9, and

! Great to have you with us! Switching form chick starter...opinions range widely on that one. I know some folks do so at 6 weeks while others never switch until the hens start to lay, at which point they put them on layer ration. I do know you are not supposed to switch to layer until eggs start showing up...at least that is what I've read and what I do. With my hens I think I keep them on starter until 8 weeks or so and then go to an all flock blend of about 18% until they start to lay. A good idea is to blend the food they've been on with the one you're putting them on so it's easier on their digestion. Good luck to you and have fun!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Hi and Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I use starter for at least 6 weeks, then either keep them on that for longer if I have a big bag, or transition them to a Flock Raiser or grower/finisher feed. Layer feed once at point-of-lay.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Think Redsoxs has got it covered