I just went to the feed store today and I need to know if this is true

[Break an Egg]

Well, I was asking the guy what I need to start feeding my older chicks (61/2 weeks old now) and he said I can feed them chick starter until they begin laying.

Is this true? I just bought 10 pounds of starter at 40 cents a pnd. And I was wondering if I need to go back now and buy some grower or flock raiser.

He just told me that grower is the same as starter.

Good news is they sell DE, 30lbs for 15.00

 

[Katy]

Purina recommends that you feed start&grow until I think it's 16 weeks. I don't know about other brands.

 

[Redfeathers]

I don't want to give bad advice, so this is my little disclaimer. The first time I bought chicks, I fed them chick starter up until they started to lay. I didn't know there was another product I could feed them. Now I know there is, but it's still confusing to get mixed messages from the feed store clerks, some info from here, and general info on the bag. My chickens did absolutely fine on chick starter and are healthy laying pullets. I do plan on switching at ten weeks to the grower feed with my current batch of chicks.

Who knew it could be confusing to feed a chicken. I just go back to the "simple common sense" frame of mind and do the best I can. They all get free range time and the majority of their feed is from my yard and garden. Good luck!

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I believe different brands of feed have different recommendations. Read the feeding instructions on your feed sack, it should tell you how long to feed it.

Jean

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, every brand is formulated a bit different. Many are start/grow, and others are starter and grower separate.

 

[fivebigreds]

I was told a COOP that starter and layer feed is the pretty much the same exsept for the medication in starter.

 

[Katy]

Usually layer has more calcium in it and a different amount of protein.

 

[stilwellchick]

I believe the protien % ( content) is different in starter, grower and layer feeds. Starter can come medicated or unmedicated and is complete, no grit needed unless eating something other than the starter. Layer has extra calcium. Many people feed starter up to point of lay, others use grower then switch to layer.

 

[Break an Egg]

Well the chick starter that I buy from there is in a barrel, where I can scoop how many pounds I want. I guess I should ask what kind they are using so I can figure it out myself.

They have all kinds of stuff in bins, pigeon food, pumpkin seeds, chicken scratch, cracked corn.

 

[Lanissa86]

Texas Star, which feed store do you go to? I am curious as to what other feed stores have, and the DE 30lbs is great! My feed store has a 10lb fir 16!! So, definitely I want the name of the place you are going!