Have I screwed up yet (NEWBIE)

[blkdogchick]

I have 30 meat birds in the brooder with layers, I have had them 10 days that makes them about 2 wks old and I have been feeding both groups the purina starter @ 18% plant protein 24/7. I plan on moving them to their seperate homes(coop & tractor )@ 4 wks , so should I seperate them right now and continue layers the same and change meaties to a 22% and go to 12hrs. on 12hrs. off or continue to 4 wks. and then change diets.

Thank you and sorry for long winded question
Ron

 

[mike67909]

i would keep your layers on the same diet till about 8-10 weeks but you should have them (meaties especially) on a 20-24% protein diet. Then switch to a poultry grower developer feed after the 10 weeks (for the layers meat birds will likely be done by then).

I would seperate your layers, the meat birds will eventually start crowding out the layers if they haven't already.

I fed my X's a gallon bucket full in the morning then took another bucket to them out in the late afternoon, Increasing it alittle as they get 5-6 weeks. But the 12 on 12 off is popular also.

I see you are in Michigan also. I would put the meat birds outside at 3 weeks and keep a heat light handy incase the temps get cold like they are supposed to this weekend.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

ur plan sounds good, i'm prbably gonna do the same thing too

 

[jaku]

Quote:
I change to 12/12 after two weeks, and they do MUCH better in my experience. Also, I'd bump the protein up to at least 20% as soon as possible. They'll do better if seperated from the layers, as they have different requirements.

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
I change to 12/12 after two weeks, and they do MUCH better in my experience. Also, I'd bump the protein up to at least 20% as soon as possible. They'll do better if seperated from the layers, as they have different requirements.

Ditto Will