~ LAYER CRUMBLES vs CHICKEN SCRATCH ~

[Foster Reds]

Just wondering if anyone else finds that there chicks perfer layer crumbles over the scratch?? Is this a normal thing ??

 

[Fred's Hens]

I personally don't think smaller chicks care for the coarse grains of scratch when they are much less than 14 weeks or so. I also don't think the particularly need scratch either, so your just as well off keeping them fed good, nutritious feed. I do, however, like to get the young developing a taste for greens and other things like that.

 

[Fred's Hens]

No chick should be eating layer until they are actually laying eggs either. You didn't say how old your chickens were.

 

[ruby]

I use pellets and cracked corn.. then scratch for a treat. along with kitchen scraps.... they really like rice.

 

[Foster Reds]

So what should we be feeding our chickens @ 10 weeks old besides there apples ,bananas,rice,lettuce,cherrios,ect...

 

[Stephanie739]

I give mine Dumor chick starter. http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...g-chick-starter-grower-20-feed-20-lb--5078202

 

[Cwittofur]

I have been feeding my chicks anything I can spare

if I have extra greens or left over food I give it to them. I make sure it's free of salt. I've given them:

Green peppers, cracked corn, black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS), cooked rice, pumpkin, apples, lettuce heads, banana, frozen strawberries... Pretty much anything. I've been doing this since they were 8 weeks.

My rule of thumb is: normal grower food available at all times. They get treats after I get home from work that way they keep theirnutritionin check and what not. They love when I get home

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
10 weeks is far, far too early for layer feed. They aren't layers and aren't laying. It has a very high calcium content that isn't required by their systems yet.
Chick starter/grower/finisher/raiser.... anything beside layer feed.

 

[Foster Reds]

So, is it OK for me to be feeding my girls the Layers crumbles?? Confused new mommy!!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Nope, not yet. See post above.