Integrating chicks before 12 weeks

[Linnre]

Another option is to feed a all flock food with the oyster shells on the side. I use Purina Flock Raiser crumbles, so even my youngest birds are able to eat it

Sounds great! Should I go ahead and start them on it when they finish this bag? Next week they will be 9 weeks.

 

[Linnre]

I found these at Tractor Supply online. I will go next week.

 

[3KillerBs]

Sounds great! Should I go ahead and start them on it when they finish this bag? Next week they will be 9 weeks.

Yes, it's actually possible to raise chicks on all-flock -- though I think that giving them a good start on the medicated feed is worthwhile.

I make a point of introducing them to the adult's germs gently by, after a week or so and then once a week after that, putting a handful of the adults' bedding into the brooder while they're still on the medicated feed and keeping them on medicated feed for the first week or two of the integration process.

 

[Linnre]

Ok sorry to keep posting but I found these and I think crumbles would be best. Thank you all again!!

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok sorry to keep posting but I found these and I think crumbles would be best. Thank you all again!!View attachment 3188805

Different birds seem to be capable of handling pellets at different ages.

I don't care much about pellet vs crumble except for chicks too young to handle the pellets. Depending on the feeder, there is sometimes less waste with pellet feed.

 

[Linnre]

Yes, it's actually possible to raise chicks on all-flock -- though I think that giving them a good start on the medicated feed is worthwhile.

I make a point of introducing them to the adult's germs gently by, after a week or so and then once a week after that, putting a handful of the adults' bedding into the brooder while they're still on the medicated feed and keeping them on medicated feed for the first week or two of the integration process.

I didn’t know about introducing them to germs gently. Today I let them roam the run without the big chickens around (locked them in). I hope it’s not a bad thing if we skip this step!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

When comparing prices, keep in mind that Nutrena bags are usually 40#, while Dumor and Purina bags are usually 50# - so what is cheaper per bag may not be cheaper per pound.
If Organic or "All Natural" hold no special value to you (they don't for me), my preference would be Purina, DuMor, Nutrena for their flock raiser/all flocks based solely on comparison of their guaranteed nutrition for a mixed age/gender flock. But I'm not certain I'd be willing to pay an almost 20% price premuim to get the Purina crumbles - nutritionally, its not 20% better. 10%? Yeah, probably - I'd paid that premium in the past, and would again.

That's a decision only you can make.

 

[Linnre]

When comparing prices, keep in mind that Nutrena bags are usually 40#, while Dumor and Purina bags are usually 50# - so what is cheaper per bag may not be cheaper per pound.
If Organic or "All Natural" hold no special value to you (they don't for me), my preference would be Purina, DuMor, Nutrena for their flock raiser/all flocks based solely on comparison of their guaranteed nutrition for a mixed age/gender flock. But I'm not certain I'd be willing to pay an almost 20% price premuim to get the Purina crumbles - nutritionally, its not 20% better. 10%? Yeah, probably - I'd paid that premium in the past, and would again.

That's a decision only you can make.

Thanks. I’ll probably start out with crumbles, just because I’m babying my babies and end up later on with pellets. Thank you for the explanations!

 

[3KillerBs]

I didn’t know about introducing them to germs gently. Today I let them roam the run without the big chickens around (locked them in). I hope it’s not a bad thing if we skip this step!

Many people don't include that step, but it was recommended to me by people whose information I respect so I do it that way.

 

[texsuze]

One other thought, if you will be enlarging the chicken space: IMHO your coop could do with way more ventilation. Perhaps cutting some large windows and covering with hardware cloth. Yes, might take away the cute appearance, but I'm also in TX and there is no end in sight to this inferno we're in right now Enjoy your trip!