how long do i feed my chicks crumb for?

[yolka doodle]

Hi all

my silkie's are 5 weeks old, how long do I feed chick crumb for, thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You should feed a grower feed of at least 18% protein till they start to lay or 20 weeks.

 

[PandoraChick]

While this question is posted, it reminds me of last year when my girls were all about 6 months old..I started wondering whether or not to switch them to layer pellets instead of the layer crumbs...Is there any advantage to one of the other? I feel like the crumbs get wasted more, but when I tried to put them on the pellets, they either didnt seem to eat as much/like or it, or they really wasted less...I couldnt tell so I put them back on crumbs.

 

[yolka doodle]

You should feed a grower feed of at least 18% protein till they start to lay or 20 weeks.

thank you, can they have layers pellets yet?

 

[Debs55]

The cannot have layer pellets till they begin laying

 

[yolka doodle]

The cannot have layer pellets till they begin laying

ok thank you, I have got hens that are a year old and when I got them they were already on layers, first time at raising chicks as you can tell. Ill get them some grower feed and continue with that until laying

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Other than a little difference in protein percent the primary difference is the amount of calcium in the feed. Feed not intended for layers has about 1%. Feed for layers has about 4% to replace the calcium pulled from the bones to make an egg shell. Excess calcium for growing birds causes kidney issues and can kill them.
Growing birds need more protein, grown birds not so much.
If it says grower, it's for growing birds.
If it says layer, it's for laying birds.

 

[Eggcessive]

The easiest thing you can do is put all of your chickens on unmedicated chick starter/grower 20% protein or all flock raiser 20% and set some crushed oyster shell or eggshells out for the hens' extra calcium needs.