Grower feed not available in Northern Portugal?

[Deblett]

Hi, I have 3 11 week old chicks not sure what sex, it seems Wyandottes are not that easy to sex this early, so my dilemma is: I know I need them off Chick crumb but after scouring every village in a 10 mile radius of me, I am unable to find Grower Feed, only Layers pellets or Broiler feed!! The broiler feed has 18% protein and 0.9% calcium, which should I feed them now until I figure out what sex they are? They also free range all day and get plenty of nutritious treats (I can't help it - they love kitchen left overs!) Whole wheat Pasta, scrambled egg, cous cous, breakfast oats, grapes and any left over steamed veggies. They have access to natural granite grit as I live on a granite hill! Any suggestions?

 

[PirateGirl]

I vote for the broiler feed. Let's see what others say. 18% is not too high of a protein count. Most mixed flock type feeds are 18%-20% protein for all life stages assorted birds. Definitely double check the protein on the broiler feed (assuming you aren't raising broilers) because sometimes it's much higher protein like 24% in which case I'd vote for the layer feed.

 

[Deblett]

Yep it's definitely 18% and as yet I am not sure until I figure out what sex they are, what they will be used for. I want layers, don't mind 1 Roo but if they are all Roos, then Broiler feed it is!!

 

[Trotamundos]

Hi I have the same problem in Spain only Pollo (18% protein) or Gallina (16%) food is readily available.
I asked a large scale breeder and he said to rear chicks/pullets on the Pollo feed and switch to Gallinas food at 16-18 weeks for the layers. It worked OK for me, although I do add scrambled eggs a couple of times a week, plus the wheat and cracked maize scratch with 'in season' cheap veggies.
I can get a Kilo of cherry tomatoes at the local markets for a Euro which they love.

 

[Deblett]

Thank you, that's pretty much the conclusion I came to and I also feed them scrambled egg a couple of times a week, also in this hot weather this week (35 degrees) I have been feeding them frozen corn cobs, they go loopy for it!

 

[Percheron chick]

Post pictures of each individual bird from the side standing and we'll help you identify what you have.
The broiler feed is the same thing as grower

 

[Deblett]

Post pictures of each individual bird from the side standing and we'll help you identify what you have.
The broiler feed is the same thing as grower

My camera battery ran out so couldn't get individuals but I think if you click the picture it zooms in - Thanks

 

[Percheron chick]

That's a perfect side by side of golden laced Wyandotte. The one in front facing right is the cockerel and the one in the back is the pullet.

 

[Deblett]

That's a perfect side by side of golden laced Wyandotte. The one in front facing right is the cockerel and the one in the back is the pullet.

Thank you so much, so is it Ok to feed all 3 Layers even if 1 is a Roo?

 

[Percheron chick]

Thank you so much, so is it Ok to feed all 3 Layers even if 1 is a Roo?

They are young to be switching to layer feed but if it's what you have available, it's what you have. I wouldn't worry about feeding layer to a rooster. You probably offer kitchen scraps as well as free ranging so they get feeds that drop the Ca content.