How long to use starter feed and best feeds thereafter?

[ctofsrud]

Fellow chicken parents, how long did you feed your chickens starter feed? I've read to use it for the first four weeks and then move to adult feed. Is it okay to then feed them scraps as well? Also, what adult feeds do you prefer and why?

Thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Almost every manufacturer will have feeding instructions for every age printed on almost every bag of feed.
They know what the nutritional breakdown of the feed is and what ages it was intended for. Following those recommendations is best.
We would be speculating not knowing what is in the feed or protein percentages.

However, as a general rule. Chicks need more protein and that can be cut back as they mature. When laying commences, the protein can be boosted a bit to make up for what goes into the egg.
Starter feed is usually 18-22% protein. That's appropriate for the first 12 weeks.
Grower feeds are about 18% protein That can be fed from hatch to commencement of lay.
Layer feeds are about 4% calcium. All other feeds are about 1%. Only birds actively building egg shells should get more than the 1+% calcium.

 

[ctofsrud]

Thank you very much for the informative reply!