Gender

[junebuggena]

And definitely a cockerel.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes..anemic is pale comb. Under nourished (hence under growth and less hormone) would cause small comb size.

I agree with the flock raiser for all and oyster shell for the layers to free feed on.

Too high of calcium could cause kidney issues which could impede growth.

LofMc

 

[EggSighted4Life]

This is excellent advice! Thanks! I will switch them to flock raiser as soon as I run out of this bag. Do you mean have oyster shells available 24/7 as well? (We don't keep a light on all the time - it's set on a timer to add a few more hours rather than be dark at 4:00pm)

We also have a pan of gravel out - they seem to eat a lot of it - what do you think about this? We could mix the oyster shells in with the gravel instead of just throwing some out once a day.

I havn't heard the small roosters crow yet! I have seen one of the 12 week olds trying to breed his mom though.

It's good news that you are accepting advice!

Yes I would leave the oyster shell available at all times and separate from anything else.

Also, I would think about changing your added light to the AM hours instead. If the light suddenly switches off at night, it may be hard for them to find their way onto the roost. They don't see well at night and sudden change leaves it extra hard for my own eyes to adjust, so it might be the same for them. Also, if you aren't trying to push egg production, the light may not be necessary at all as most farm animals rise and sleep according to the sun.

Is it the oyster shell or the gravel that you throw out once a day? If they don't free range I would leave the gravel available separately all the time as well. But if they have access to the dirt it may not be needed.

You could get a flock raiser and mix what's left of your current bag, if you are able.

Sounds like you have lots of chicken activity going on. Fun!

Best wishes.

 

[drumstick diva]

cockerel

 

[Gammond]

I am going to town to get flock raiser tomorrow... another question: can i use flock raiser for freshly hatched chicks as well - or are they better off getting chick starter? I also changed the timer so the light comes on only in the AM.

 

[Pork Pie]

I am going to town to get flock raiser tomorrow... another question: can i use flock raiser for freshly hatched chicks as well - or are they better off getting chick starter? I also changed the timer so the light comes on only in the AM.

Not unless you blitz them in a food processor - the particle sizes are a little too big for chicks. Chick starter is less hassle.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

In my area flock raiser comes in pellet or crumble. The crumble is fine for chicks. The difference will be if you want them on medicated. In that case, you need medicated chick starter.
LofMc

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I use it (crumble) for all my chicks. When I had bantam babies I did crush it a little extra for them the first week or so.

Hopefully the change in lighting will be more comfortable for them.

 

[junebuggena]

I have used flock raiser crumble for chicks. It's actually got a higher protein content than the purina medicated starter. My chicks get medicated their first week of life, and a clump of sod, to help them safely build resistance to coccidia. Then they all get switched to flock raiser.

 

[donrae]

The only feed I buy is an all-in-one crumble. Day old chicks, old hens, roosters growing out for the pot, laying hens, everyone gets that.

It may be true that I could get slighter better outcomes customizing feed to stage of the bird, but honestly I've got way too many birds to hassle with that

. And everyone is healthy, grows well and lays great, so I'm thinking I'm good.