How much feeding is needed

[tomfish78]

I have 6 sussex and thay dont get out of the run thay are 11weeks old i give them a pint of mixed layers pellets and split corn along with a hand full or two of meal worms about 6am everyday well in summer just now but will change in winter and half a pint off the same stuff in the afternoon am i giveing them enough or is it two much?

 

[MrsEskew]

Mine have starter/grower feed available at all times and they are about 13 weeks old. I throw things like corn, rice, meal worms, etc out there as scratch or treats. Also they probably shouldn't have layer feed until at least 16 weeks (I think that's what was said anyways...) Most people here recommend not feeding layer feed until they start laying. I don't think you are doing too much.

 

[junebuggena]

They should have chick starter or flock raiser/grower feed available all day. Split corn and layer pellets will not have a high enough protein content to sustain proper growth. Do not feed layer pellets until they are actually laying eggs. The high calcium content can harm their developing and growing kidneys.

 

[tomfish78]

The breeder who sold me them told me to feed them layers along with split corn but I have been told some ppl use layers and some don't but getting bk to the point you think I am feeding just enough or mybe add abit more in the morning feed?

 

[junebuggena]

You need to feed them an age appropriate feed to support healthy growth. Layer feed and cracked corn is not appropriate for growing, developing chicks. They need to have access to a good quality, appropriate feed all day long. There are long term consequences to not feeding chicks properly. Kidney damage, slow growth, deformities, bone growth problems, and slow to mature birds can all be caused by not getting proper nutrition.

 

[tomfish78]

Ok well this is alot more helpful as I say am new to keeping chickens and will sort out the feeding straight away thanks for the help ppl

 

[MeeMa Brown]

Mine have starter/grower feed available at all times and they are about 13 weeks old. I throw things like corn, rice, meal worms, etc out there as scratch or treats. Also they probably shouldn't have layer feed until at least 16 weeks (I think that's what was said anyways...) Most people here recommend not feeding layer feed until they start laying. I don't think you are doing too much.

Follow the bag of feed label -feeding starter until 18 wks then finisher and go then to a layer type feed. They enjoy chopped garden scraps mid day. Hope I'm doing it right...first year.