New Jersey

[NJchixs]

Well happy chick raising and I hope the predators stay away.

 

[llandry]

That stinks.

two miles? I thought you were much closer.

Hi folks,
Just wondering what kind of chicken feed you use? R ight now I'm using southern states medicated chick crumble. They are about 9 wks old now and I know I will have to start feeding them layer food at some point and was wondering which one would be best. I was looking at blue seal and also nutrena nature wise layer feed. Any suggestions/feedback would be great, thanks.

Hey SparkleChic,
I know you're not asking when to feed what type but I had asked this awhile ago and got the best info so I thought I'd share it here. I feed purina start & grow crumbles. This was from a super helpful member that went above and beyond to help me out. Here's what he said...............



Most that do switch there feed will feed a Starter up to 12 weeks of age than switch to a grower. A Grower type feed is lower in protein than a Starter and in some cases a Layer type feed, this is to slow growth rate down so that the bird has time to fully fill out and build up strong bones and mussels.

This might help you out some.

Starter --
A balanced feed meant as the sole ration for chicks from hatching to twelve weeks of age.
At 12 weeks of age the birds can be changed to Grower or Developer. Starter can be Medicated or Non-Medicated when Medicated it is with either Amprolium or Lasalocid. Starter is available in Mash, Crumble or Pellet form.

Stater/ Grower --
A balanced feed meant as the sole ration for chicks from hatching to chickens begin to lay, this feed can be Medicated or Non-Medicated. If medicated it will be with either Amprolium or Lasalocid. Starter/ Grower is available mostly in Crumble or Pellet form.

Grower --
Feed as the sole ration to chicks 12 weeks of age as a finisher. Grower feed is meant to feed until the chickens begin to lay, then bird can be switched to a complete Laying. Most Grower feed is Non-Medicated but some are Medicated with Bacitracin. Grower is mostly available in available in Crumble or Pellet form.

Finisher -- See above for Grower

Layer --
Feed as the sole diet to laying hens maximum production of eggs. Do not feed Layer feed to poultry, which are not in production because of the high calcium levels in the diet. This is particularly true of young growing birds. Layer is available in Mash, Crumble or Pellet form.

Layer/ Breeder --
Feed as the sole diet to laying hens and breeders for maximum production and for improved hatchability. Do not feed Layer feed to poultry, which are not in production because of the high calcium levels in the diet. This is particularly true of young growing birds. Layer/ Breeder is available in Pellet form.

 

[llandry]

That stinks.

two miles? I thought you were much closer.

Ooops, I'm right on the edge of point and brick by sundae's. You're right, probably not even two miles.

 

[sunnychooks]

.Does anybody have a hen that will lay white eggs. I seem to have picked all brown layers with exception of my two EE which haven't laid yet so who knows.

I sent you a PM.

 

[Mingming]

Thanks for the info about the feed! I've actually got 6 nine week old girls and two layers. I was so worried about flock integration that I didn't think about the babies eating the big girls food (layer) until the other day when I saw them eating it! I think I read everyone can eat grower and offer calcium on the side for the big girls until everyone's either laying or at pol. Can anyone confirm that or offer suggestions for what they've done?

Yes... 2 layers! They're 24 1/2 weeks and one started laying about 3 weeks ago and the other last Sunday! I had a long talk with her about freeloading, but I don't think she was listening to me ...LOL!

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Ooops, I'm right on the edge of point and brick by sundae's. You're right, probably not even two miles.

Ah, yes, Sundaes! Don't go there much anymore though. I know there is someone with chcikens very close to you. I always see their coop full of birds when I drive near Midstreams.

 

[NJchixs]

I'm also curious if you can do what Mingming says since in a few months I will have the same scenario.

 

[kahlua]

I have all my birds on Flock Raiser right now. I have a lot of young birds and some cockerels that can't have layer feed. I offer oyster shell in a dish on the side and everyone is happy and well fed

 

[Jersey Jon]

Hey all, I got three eggs in as many days from a chick I thought was going to be a late boomer. Her waddles and comb are far behind the other two. The eggs are very small, like half dollar size....... But my wife and I and neighbors were pumping fists just the same (Kidding, my neighbors kids made me write that).

I got news, the egg song gave us away. The other neighbors are starting to gander around my property to see what's going on but are pleasantly surprised when a dozen (store purchased but they don't know that) eggs head their way.

- Jon -

 

[llandry]

Ah, yes, Sundaes! Don't go there much anymore though. I know there is someone with chcikens very close to you. I always see their coop full of birds when I drive near Midstreams.

That's where i am, in midstreams! I wonder who has them around me? Someone in my neighborhood has a rooster because I would hear it very early in the morning when I was still house breaking our dog in the spring.