Grower feed

[ChickenCrazy8]

I've almost run out of starter feed. I went to the store to buy more starter feed, and they were all out. I purchased a bag of grower feed and was wondering if it would be okay to switch over to grower feed now--they are 2 weeks old. What are the negative affects of switching to grower feed early?

 

[junebuggena]

They'll be fine, just make sure you have something on hand to treat coccidiosis if they come down with it.

 

[ChickenCrazy8]

Thanks for the info! I always thought that coccidiosis was due to a dirty environment?

 

[junebuggena]

Unless you keep your chicks in a completely sterile environment, they will be exposed to coccidia. It's a parasitic protozoa that can dwell in soil. It's only a becomes a problem when the protozoa grow to numerous in the chick's stomach and intestine. Chickens gradually become resistant to the strains that they are exposed to. By 3 weeks old, they should be getting short trips outside to play. It will help them to gradually build up resistance. While they are young chicks, they are extremely susceptible to developing Coccidiosis. If they aren't going to be on medicated chick feed, you need to have something ready to treat them with just in case.

 

[ChickenCrazy8]

Thanks so much for the explanation!! Much appreciated