How old do chicks have to be before I can transition from no calcium to calcium included feed

[Bryce Thomas]

I have 4 chicks that are about 12 weeks old and they are silkies

that is just one of them taken a week ago

 

[Cryss]

This is what I feed my flock. I have pullets, hens, and cockerels about to become roosters. When they start to lay just offer oyster shell in another container. Non layers won’t eat it which is a good thing cuz they can’t metabolize it. And don’t forget granite grit. Shell and grit are different and perform different duties in a chickens system.

 

[Cryss]

If you have or will have a mixed flock, meaning not exclusively females that have begun laying eggs, you shouldn’t feed layer blend feeds. These blends are best used for chicken raisers that separate their birds by age and genders. They will keep non layers and males separated from layers. Juveniles and males can’t use the excess calcium in layer feeds. It damages their kidneys. If you plan to have a mixed flock feed everyone flock raiser type blends which are the same blends as layer but don’t have extra calcium. Supplement the laying chickens calcium by keeping a full container of oyster shell available at all times. Juveniles and males won’t be interested in it other than a curious nibble or two. Laying birds will instinctively snack on it.

 

[Brooks_]

I Have 3 adults 2 hens and 1 roo that gets the layer feed but im transitioning to all flock feed so my rooster doesn't get sick with the calcium

by calcium included feed i mean layer feed that contains a bit more calcium for egg shell hardness

I refer you back to post #7. Just feed all an all flock with OS free choice for the layers.

 

[Brooks_]

I have 4 chicks that are about 12 weeks old and they are silkies View attachment 2701387
that is just one of them taken a week ago

What do you mean by "no calcium to calcium included"? As far as I know all feed as some calcium. If you mean switching from starter/grower to layer, wait until they are laying. Do you have other birds or just these four?

 

[Brooks_]

I do that at 4 months. Hens only! I use the family farm brand egg maker feed sold at WalMart. Get a bag of 5 grains feed hens that mix. Roosters just get 5 grain.

It sounds like your hens are getting too much treats and your roosters are not getting enough nutrition.

 

[Bryce Thomas]

what type of feed of flock raiser is for pet chickens? Like ones you just hang out with and pet and not slaughter them or use them for just eggs, I raise my silkies as pets

im looking into https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/detail/purina-flock-raiser-medicated but it says for meat hens and rooster so i dont know, recommendations for flock raiser toward non laying or meat birds would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Brooks_]

I use Purina Flock Raiser non-medicated.

 

[Brooks_]

ok, for just flock birds like chickens right? no layers or meat birds although i guess you can use it for any of those because it seems like flock raiser can be used for different situations depending on pet chickens egg chickens or meat chickens

Mine are dual purpose chickens. I've had no issues with it. I have seen comments that it lacks the niacin? for ducks.

 

[Star silkies]

You mix the egg maker in to add calcium you are stalking me

As I said you do not feed egg maker to roosters. The topic concerns calcium