Is it necessary to restrict feed after their first week?

[Mtnmomma3]

I found a source that says to restrict feed after day 5. What do you think?


https://www.purelypoultry.com/blog/raising-cornish-cross-chickens-for-meat/

Feed and water your chicks daily. Because the Cornish crosses grow so rapidly, special care must be taken regarding their feeding schedule. For the first five days, give them free choice of food. At the end of the 5th day, remove their feed. 12 hours later, put their feed back and allow them to eat at will for another 12 hours. Remove the feed again that night. The exact time does not matter, as long as it is in 12-hour intervals and is consistent from day to day. You will continue this interval feeding until it is time to butcher the birds. Failure to do this can lead to growth and heart issues. A chick starter of 20-22% protein is an ideal feed for feeding the birds for the first 5 weeks of age.

 

[vsmenagerie]

I start restricting feed as soon as I put them outside, so by 2-3 weeks. I do not refill their feeders at night if they are low before that, but I do not pull them either. Once they are outside, they are fed morning and night, sometimes if I am around I will give them some midday, I do not leave food with them all day either. Mine are tractored and encouraged to forage. they also get scraps.

 

[SIMZ]

I start restricting feed as soon as I put them outside, so by 2-3 weeks. I do not refill their feeders at night if they are low before that, but I do not pull them either. Once they are outside, they are fed morning and night, sometimes if I am around I will give them some midday, I do not leave food with them all day either. Mine are tractored and encouraged to forage. they also get scraps.

X2 for me, too. I've had no problems doing this. Just make sure you have plenty of feeder space for them all to eat at the same time if you let food run out/down.