How long should I feed my chicks "Chick Starter"?

[hulufarms]

When should I switch to "Layer Feed" or scratch?

 

[Alexis]

My general rule is if I see an egg, they are ready for Layer pellet or crumble.

 

[Josie]

Like Alexis, I have always fed chick starter until they are laying or getting ready to lay. I have read from multiple books that around 8 weeks it is good to switch to grower (different from layer or chick), but I have never bothered.

 

[NickyPick]

Everything I've been reading is that scratch is not a food. It's a treat and should be fed sparingly.

 

[sherrydeanne]

Feed starter until the instructions on the back tell you to switch

 

[AKsmama]

Scratch is a treat, not a complete food, so please do not feed just scratch.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I feed starter feed (Purina Start & Grow) until I get the first eggs then begin blending in the layer feed until the starter is all gone.

As others have said scratch feed is not a complete feed in itself. You'll want a complete feed such as a good layer ration when they begin to lay.

 

[hulufarms]

okay, thanks. I guess I'll feed starter till they lay....

 

[kera!]

i feed my chicks medicated starter for 8 weeks that is mixed with game fowl for extra protein, then I mix the grower with it. then at 18 weeks i do layer feed...

 

[Komaki]

You have great advice here! The only other thing we do is, say we bake more tater tots than we eat we give them to the chicks. I am a private pilot, so have people always bring me odd things to give the girls (becouse I gift them chickens at times), But I as others have said, soft. You will see.