⠀ How do I transition my flock to a different feed?

[Purina]

We get a lot of questions from chicken raisers about switching feeds. “I tried a new feed and my birds stopped eating! I don’t think they liked it!”

It’s not always a matter of chickens liking or disliking the new feed. Instead, it has to do with consistency. Chickens are birds of habit and like eating the same complete feed each day.

If you are thinking about switching feeds – from starter-grower to layer feed at week 18 or to a new brand, be sure to make the change gradually:

1. Start by sprinkling a handful of the new feed on top of the current feed.

2. Over the next 7-10 days, increase the amount of new feed being added each day. Stir the feeds together, so birds are eating both old and new feed.

3. By the end of the 7-10 day period, the feeder should contain only the new feed and the transition is complete.

Have you ever switched feeds? How long did it take to make the transition?

 

[Abriana]

My birds are not picky eaters at all and they switched with zero issue to layer from grower. One day they were eating grower and the next day I put layer in the feeder and I still don't think they noticed. Lol!