How to switch over feed

[JudyR]

Our chicks are now 6 weeks old. We had a lucky 13 hatch. We've been feeding them chick starter, but wonder if it's time to change feeds. How do you do it? What feed do you recommend? Do you add it gradually so they get used to it, or does it matter?

 

[Marlinchaser]

Is it just starter, most are at 8 weeks
starter grower, most say when you get your first egg.

Brand wise will depend what you have available. Check different sources, and see what brands they carry. Purina is a good food, but tends to be pricier than some local brands.

Read the bag it will tell you when to switch.

Like switching any food try to do it gradually mix the new in with the old till all the old is gone, and they are eating all new.

 

[fordmommy]

I like Purina Mills too.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This site will tell you more than you probably want to know about feeding chickens.

Oregon State Feeding Chickens
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw477/#anchor1132074

The normal recommended progression is starter for 6 weeks, grower until they start to lay or 20 weeks age, then layer. I feed a combined starter/grower for the first 20 weeks because that is what my local TSC has.

With any animal, when you change its feed, it it generally best to mix the two for a few days so they get used to the switch.

Good luck!

 

[Superior Chicks]

I feed starter/grower up to age 20 weeks, unless they start to lay sooner. But even if no eggs by 20 weeks, I gradually start to switch them over to layer. I begin with a ratio of 90%/10%, 80/20, 70/30 and so on until they are completely switched. I believe this process, although it takes about 2 months, is better for them. And they don't notice the the taste of the new food. And as we all know, chickens can be more finicky that a toddler! They resist any changes!

I don't start adding oyster shell however until I see the first egg.

HTH

Ma