How long to feed chick starter?

[ehoneybee]

My chicks (pullets) are almost 3 months old and still eating chick starter. I'm almost done with the bag. Can I give them the layer feed I give my hens yet or no? Do I give them grit along with it if I do? Help

 

[ashlierami]

My chicks (pullets) are almost 3 months old and still eating chick starter. I'm almost done with the bag. Can I give them the layer feed I give my hens yet or no? Do I give them grit along with it if I do? Help

I typically feed chicks 6 weeks of starter. Then I graduate to grower feed to support growth and weight gain. Once they start laying then you will want to change to layer feed. If they are eating feed only they grit isn't needed. If they are eating bugs, grass etc you will want to provide grit.

 

[ehoneybee]

I typically feed chicks 6 weeks of starter. Then I graduate to grower feed to support growth and weight gain. Once they start laying then you will want to change to layer feed. If they are eating feed only they grit isn't needed. If they are eating bugs, grass etc you will want to provide grit.

Ok, so sounds like I'm ok to finish this and move on to grower feed. Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

3 months is too young for layer feed.
To answer your first question, what are the instructions on the bag of starter feed?
All manufacturers print either on the back of the bag or on the guaranteed analysis tag exactly how it is to be fed. They know precisely what is in the feed, we don't.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I do at least a month on Chick Starter, then switch to Flock Raiser & Chick Grit (I start mealworm training). When they show the signs of laying, I add a separate dish of Oyster Shells plus their grit.

I used to do age/stage feeding but storage with multiple ages/sex gets crowded.

 

[ehoneybee]

3 months is too young for layer feed.
To answer your first question, what are the instructions on the bag of starter feed?
All manufacturers print either on the back of the bag or on the guaranteed analysis tag exactly how it is to be fed. They know precisely what is in the feed, we don't.

Ok it says chick starter/grower feed to be given until 16 weeks so I'm good

 

[animallover2019]

1

My chicks (pullets) are almost 3 months old and still eating chick starter. I'm almost done with the bag. Can I give them the layer feed I give my hens yet or no? Do I give them grit along with it if I do? Help

18 weeks or when the first egg arrives is when you should change to layer feed

 

[NewChkinTown]

I do at least a month on Chick Starter, then switch to Flock Raiser & Chick Grit (I start mealworm training). When they show the signs of laying, I add a separate dish of Oyster Shells plus their grit.

I used to do age/stage feeding but storage with multiple ages/sex gets crowded.

What is mealworm training? Do you add the grit in to their feed or a separate dish?
Should Oyste shells be provided once they are of laying age in case they need more calcium, or should it be available all the time?
LOL sorry for all the questions. Trying to get as much info as possible before we get our chicks

 

[getaclue]

I go from chick starter, to flock raiser. I don't do layer feed anymore. The flock raiser feed, with free-choice oyster shell calcium works out better over the long run.

 

[NewChkinTown]

I go from chick starter, to flock raiser. I don't do layer feed anymore. The flock raiser feed, with free-choice oyster shell calcium works out better over the long run.

Can you feed Flock Raiser if you only have 4?