I have a problem about food decision

[Emily_loveschickens]

Hi everyone, I have four chickens one bparred rock one Easter Egger and two golden comets. I know the golden comet start laying sooner at around 3 1/2 to 4 months but the Easter Egger and barred rock will lay later than them. they are around 12 weeks now, so should I buy layer pellets, or chick crumble again? I’ve only bought one food bag and it’s lasted me The whole time I’ve had them. So what am I saying is if I bought another 50 pound bag of chicken crumble then it would last me 12 weeks again and by that time they will be laying so should I buy chick crumble or layer pellets. Sorry it is kind of hard to explain this. Thanks

 

[Ruby Rogue]

They can move on to an grower feed after 6-7 weeks. It has different names depending on where you're getting it but typically has a lower protein content than the starter feed. I wouldn't offer layer feed until they are beginning to lay. They can continue eating the starter or grower feed indefinitely with a calcium supplemented on the side for laying birds, oyster shell offered in a separate dish. Also, a good way to recycle egg shells is to crush them and mix in with the oyster shell.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would either get another bag of chick starter or you can use an All Flock/Flock Raiser feed.
Provide oyster shell free choice.

I feed an all flock feed year round regardless of ages. Makes it easier.

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

This is the bag of food I have it says starter/grower food so should I just buy another one of these?

 

[Coops Dad]

If you have it available, go with an all-flock feed and supplement it with oyster shell on the side once they start laying. All flock doesn't have the additional calcium and is usually cheaper.

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

So I can either get a another grower feed or a flock raiser feed with oyster shell?

 

[Kiki]

Buy the layer feed.
Don't give them the option to eat the needed calcium, some may not eat it and egg laying issues could happen.

It's better to prevent the issues then play doctor to try and fix them when they happen.

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

I’m really confused because I’ve gotten so many different answers I don’t know what to do now

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

Can I get a small bag of layer feed and then a bigger bag of grower feed. So when they do start laying eggs I have the food but for now I stay with the grower food

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

So will this work