How much feed should i get for 3 chicks??!!!??

[JacksHomestead]

I starting my backyard flock soon

and i was wondering how much feed i need to buy!
One bag is 10 pounds, the other is 20 pounds.
I don't know which bag to purchase, i'm getting 3 chicks at 1 day old!
My question is will i need 20 pounds of feed for just 3 chicks?
Is it just safer to get the 20 pound bag so i don't run out and have to buy another bag?

Thanks- Jack'sHomestead

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Are you getting laying chicks or meat chicks? Are you planning to feed starter up to the point of lay and then switch to layer feed; feed starter, then grower, then layer; or feed starter/grower for their entire lives? (I am an option c person myself - feed grower from the first to last day of a bird's life in my flock)? The length of time you will be using the particular feed will factor into whether you would need 10 or 20 pounds for that time. In the interest of freshness, I would probably go with 10 pounds at a time for just three birds starting out.

 

[JacksHomestead]

Are you getting laying chicks or meat chicks? Are you planning to feed starter up to the point of lay and then switch to layer feed; feed starter, then grower, then layer; or feed starter/grower for their entire lives? (I am an option c person myself - feed grower from the first to last day of a bird's life in my flock)? The length of time you will be using the particular feed will factor into whether you would need 10 or 20 pounds for that time. In the interest of freshness, I would probably go with 10 pounds at a time for just three birds starting out.

The feed is to laying hens and its just until they grow out of the brooder and into the coop.
This is not for a long term thing.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The feed is to laying hens and its just until they grow out of the brooder and into the coop.
This is not for a long term thing.

Then, yes, I would definitely go with the smaller bag.

 

[Folly's place]

They will need grower until they are all laying eggs; anywhere from 16 to 23 weeks of age or older, depending on breed. Feed shouldn't be stored more than maybe two months, three at most. Say in two months they weigh three lbs each; times three birds= about nine lbs of birdx three lbs of feed per lb= 27 to 30 lbs of starter feed. Does that make sense? Buy the 20 lb. bag. Mary

 

[JacksHomestead]

Thanks you two!! both posts make sense but ill just go with the big bag to be safe

 

[dianawatson49]

well, after reading this, now im really lost! I have 30 eggs that i hope most will hatch in less than 1 week. I was told to buy the laer feed for chicks a red light an so on...i didnt know there were so many kinds of feed....all i feed is layer mash and thats what the rooster eats to im just loooking for eggs. im not looking to eat the chicken or just sit in a rocking chair and watch them til they die....lol so, does anyone know the proper food?? at certain times? mine lay a good bit off eggs, but of course i want them healthy also.....5 mores days and 2nd try....help!!!!!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

well, after reading this, now im really lost! I have 30 eggs that i hope most will hatch in less than 1 week. I was told to buy the laer feed for chicks a red light an so on...i didnt know there were so many kinds of feed....all i feed is layer mash and thats what the rooster eats to im just loooking for eggs. im not looking to eat the chicken or just sit in a rocking chair and watch them til they die....lol so, does anyone know the proper food?? at certain times? mine lay a good bit off eggs, but of course i want them healthy also.....5 mores days and 2nd try....help!!!!!!!

Layer feed should not be fed until 18 weeks and/or the onset of production. There are a few feed programs you can use for raising your chicks:
1) starter feed for the first several weeks (ie 6-8) then grower ration until 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
2)starter feed from day 1 to 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
3)grower ration from day 1 to 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
4)grower ration from day 1 to the last day a bird is in your flock - offering oyster shell for actively laying birds to take as they wish.

I choose #4 because it is the simplest approach - no worrying about birds that shouldn't have layer feed (non laying birds are not just young birds, but also males of any age, older females not laying due to broodiness, molt or age, etc) which is especially beneficial for a flock like mine with mixed ages and frequent times when not all of my birds are actively laying. I am currently using Flock Raiser crumble, but any grower ration works. I also like the higher protein found in grower than what is offered by most layer rations.

 

[ConPollos]

Layer feed should not be fed until 18 weeks and/or the onset of production.  There are a few feed programs you can use for raising your chicks:
1) starter feed for the first several weeks (ie 6-8) then grower ration until 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
2)starter feed from day 1 to 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
3)grower ration from day 1 to 18 weeks/onset of production - then layer feed
4)grower ration from day 1 to the last day a bird is in your flock - offering oyster shell for actively laying birds to take as they wish.

I choose #4 because it is the simplest approach - no worrying about birds that shouldn't have layer feed (non laying birds are not just young birds, but also males of any age, older females not laying due to broodiness, molt or age, etc) which is especially beneficial for a flock like mine with mixed ages and frequent times when not all of my birds are actively laying.  I am currently using Flock Raiser crumble, but any grower ration works.  I also like the higher protein found in grower than what is offered by most layer rations.

Me too.

 

[Folly's place]

x3.