how much to feed chicks

[THV]

I've got my first batch of chicks. They are between 2-5 weeks old. Should I just give them as much feed as they want all the time, or should I have feeding "time"? Right now I'm feeding them medicated chick mash, and planning to transition to medicated chick crumble soon. I guess I transition them to another type of food when they are getting fully feathered?
thanks
Tim

 

[Mahonri]

My 12 little ones are pigs! I feed them and they gobble down way too much I'm thinking.

They are little eating, drinking, pooping machines. I can't wait until they are a month old and I can put them in the coop.

 

[cyrixlord]

I just make sure their feeder remains full. I dont restrict water or feed. they are the darndest little babies aren't they?

 

[ibpboo]

Keep their feeders full at all times.

congratulations on your first batch. You are going to have a lot of fun.

 

[crazy huhn]

I always do the free feeding (as much as they want). They do not over-eat.
You may want to raise the feeder a little bit, so they will waste less of their feed. I also prefer the crumbe over the mash, because I have noticed that they go for the bigger pieces in the mash while wasting the powdery mash.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
The feed available depends on where you live. If there is a seperate grower available, you can switch them to that around 8 weeks. If all that's available is chick starter/grower, you can leave them on that until 18 to 20 weeks or when you get your first egg. Then it's on to layer feed.
I agree that they should have food and water available 24/7.