How soon to feed scratch?

[Tanichca]

Hey Everybody!
I have 3 8.5 week old chicks, who, with the help of their moms, have almost exhausted the 30 pounds of starter that i bought. Is it too early to switch them to scratch? When is the earliest I can? Thanks!

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I've never heard of sticking with starter and then switching to just scratch....is that what you mean? At that age I would think they would be able to eat scratch just fine. But I hear it should never be a staple, as it has little nutrients and is fattening, just a daily treat. I would just stick with the starter and then switch to layer 1-3 weeks before you think they are going to lay.

But if that's what you are gonna do, I would think that's the earliest you can start scratch as a staple. As they still have lots of growing to do at that age, they need lots of protein. So I think you could safely start whenever they are just about full size, maybe 16 weeks? Just IMO...

 

[Tanichca]

Alright! Thanks!

 

[Cackling Hen]

I agree i have never heard of doing that either. Scrtach has no nutrients for chickens I know my Mama and babies can sure eat a bag full of starter FAST I switch them at 16 weeks old.... Good luck hope that helps

 

[Tanichca]

If not scratch, and not layer mash, what do i give them?

 

[ranchhand]

Scratch has very little nutrition, it's just a treat to help them stay warm in the winter here.

I feed starter until 16-18 weeks and then start mixing in layer feed. It's worked for a long time now. Enjoy the little ones!

ETA since your last post- the hens will do fine on starter feed for now, it's higher protein. The layer has more calcium, which can harm the chicks. For now, just starter, then at 16-18 weeks gradually switch to layer. Scratch is only a treat, never a complete feed. It's like candy for kids!

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

Well, I heard you can stick with starter until 2 weeks before you think they are going to lay an egg....so that's maybe 18-22 weeks? There's also flock raiser, or grower....which is what you can also feed a growing chick before they lay eggs. From what I hear, most people start with starter on 1-10 weeks, then grower or flock raiser for 10-20 weeks...and then layer once or just before they lay an egg. That's what I'd do at least, if you want to be sure when exactly to switch them, search the forums or google it.