How many weeks?

[debakadeb]

I really know nothing about this and am curious to know how people transition from chick starter to a combination of starter and treats or other food sources. If you are still giving them chick starter and want to give them some grass clippings, do you mix the grass clippings in with some grit? Or...is it safe to give them the grass clippings without adding grit since they have chick starter?

I have a book called Hobby Farms chickens by Sue Weaver. There is a feed chart in it that states to keep them on chick starter until they are six weeks old. Then from 6-20 weeks to feed them "grower food". At 20 weeks to start layer food. I plan to go by this for the feed but am hoping to supplement it with other food sources as well once the chicks get beyond the six-week mark.

 

[chcknrs]

Quote:
So what do you recommend for someone like me, who free ranges all day? Do I need to add to starter, or will I be okay? The chickens are usually out and about all day eating grass, dandelion greens, bugs, etc.

Sorry for highjacking thread, but had to know.....

 

[MissPrissy]

Not all feed is created equal. In some places the feed is starter/grower. Not just starter and then grower. I feed starter/grower. When I see the first egg I mix what is left of the s/g with layer feed. When that is gone it is just layer feed.

Large breeds often don't lay as early as some other chickens. My buff orps were 24+ weeks when they started. They did not need 4 weeks worth of extra calcium in their diet - it can cause kidney troubles given too early.

A little bit of plain yogurt with live cultures is excellent for your chicks. It adds good bacteria to their bodies. I don't consider it a treat. It is beneficial and a good choice early on.

If you give them grass clippings or put them on grass dirt works just fine as grit.

If you give them a little boiled or scrambled egg sprinkle the crumbles over it and you don't need more grit.

Just remember small amount so they can adjust and not have runny nasty poop. No salt, no sugar, cooked grains like rice and oatmeal, veggie trimmings, meat scraps - it is all good for them as they get older.

You don't need a book to teach you how to feed your chickens. It just common sense. What is good for you is good for them too.

Happy Chickening

P.S. - not all starter is 20% protein.

 

[debakadeb]

The starter/grower feed that I am using is the 20% Dumor sold by TSC. I must say the chicks do LOVE the yogurt. I put a tablespoon or so in a small bowl and the chick feed over the top...they are out of yogurt in the dish but still prefer that dish to their regular feeder. Right this moment, I am their bestest friend

I've decided to wait on the grass until they get out into their more permanent home. I should note, I gave them the organic, plain yogurt. I was going to make my own and asked my husband to get a small container at the store..he came home with a large container so will make mine (or Miss Priss's) next week.

 

[Tricia's Triple Z]

SO...........What do you do when you already have layers? What feed is ok for them both?

 

[raindrop]

Tricia's Triple Z :

SO...........What do you do when you already have layers? What feed is ok for them both?

Most folks keep chicks and layers separate due to the size difference and the risk of the adults picking on or even killing the chicks. There is too much calcium in layer food for chicks less that 16-20 weeks (depending on breed) and there is not enough calcium and too much protein in chick starter or developer or combination of the two for a layer.​

 

[MissPrissy]

If you have chicks and hens in the same coop you can put out both feeds. It won't hurt the hens to eat some starter.

 

[DLS]

Mine are 7 weeks old they have been on purina crumbles from day 1 . they have been outside all day for the last 3 weeks . I mixed cracked corn and feed wheat together & give that to them as scratch, to dig at in the yard . I have wheat & oats & rye still in the field they get a BIG bundle of that every day, that keeps them buisy picking at the tops. They get lots of table scraps & crickets on saturday. 24 chickens eat the stew outta crickets