How much starter feed should I buy?

[stgagnon]

Greetings, everyone.
I just ordered 14 chicks from Ideal. This is my first flock.
I haven't bought starter feed yet.
I checked it out at the local feed store last week; it came in 50 lb bags!! Will 14 chicks eat that much, or should I look for a smaller size?

 

[twincreekfarm]

A 50lb bag will last you about 4-6 weeks with 14 chicks, maybe a little longer. They eat alot! We were buying 2o lb bags every 2 weeks with our chicks!

 

[Chelly]

I think my bag is 20 pounds - my chicks are 5 weeks and the bag is less than a quarter full.
I do throw some out though, they roost on the little red feeder and poop in it - and when I take them outside I put some in a dish and they kick it all over the place - I go through at least 4 - 5 cups a day. I've got 8 chicks.

 

[nccatnip]

That sounds about right. I brought home 18 chicks, 8 weeks old and that was the perfect amount. It didn't lay around getting stale or moldy but lasted long enough I was not constantly running to the feed store.

 

[stgagnon]

Thanks very much!
I guess 50 lbs isn't so much!

-Suz.

 

[schlitch]

Today was my first day with the biddies and they have ate half of a quart in the past 12 hours. More than I expected. As far as water goes, I've watched them drink it all day, but it has only gone down a little bit not even a 1/4 of the jar.

You'll probably buy another bag before you know it.

 

[pricem11]

Suz, you'll go through several of those 50lb bags before they get old enough to go on layer rations at 18 weeks.

 

[Chelly]

Don't you stop starter feed at around 6-7 weeks? then move onto grower or something, till 18-19 weeks and at that point layer feed?

 

[jessied1227]

I fed starter until 16 weeks, then switched to layers crumble.

I went through 3 - 50 lb. bags of starter in 16 weeks for 12 chickens.

Jess

 

[Chelly]

Mmmmmmm I didnt' want them to have the medicated feed that long - can I use something else?