I got my first chicks 3 weeks ago. I am totally new to this and have no idea what I am doing. I would appreciate any advice. have 3 hens 4 week old Rhode Island reds. I have heard different things about feeding them. Now they are still on starter, I just started offering grit to offer treats and because they are just starting to spend a tiny bit of time out side. Am I supposed to switch to "grower" at what age? And do I change to layer at 4 or 5 months? And is there any trick to introducing them to dogs? 1 of my dogs is fine with them, but im not sure the other 2 will ever be able to be around them. 
and Welcome To BYC! X2, most people keep them on starter until they are ready to lay or when you see your first egg then switch to Layer. If you are going to use a Grower feed that is usually between 10 and 18/20 weeks, most commercial Grower brands say then to start Layer at about 18 weeks which is usually when the commercial layers breeds are close to ready to lay. 
