New Momma here, when to change feed??

[stefansmomma]

I'm a new chick momma and my babies finally went out side for the first time last night. they are 6 weeks and are on chick starter feed. when do I change them to the grower feed then layer feed and do I gradually mix it until it's all switched?? Do I give them oyster shell when they're ready to lay and do they need grit and Scratch?!?!?!?! HELP!!!!!

 

[AlienChick]

You can keep them on chick starter until they start laying eggs; then switch to a layer pellet or crumble.
If you want to give them a grower feed, you can switch them to that now and then when they start laying, switch to a layer feed.
NO oyster shell till they're laying.
You can give them grit if they're not scratching around outside to eat small pebbles and rocks.
They ONLY need grit if they're eating anything other than their chicken feed.
So if they're outside and eating grass, they'll need grit.
You can sprinkle some grit on the ground where they're scratching around or offer it in a small dish.
They'll eat it if they feel they need it.
You do not need to feed scratch unless you want to give them a treat.
Scratch grains is like feeding candy to children.
It's a real treat with little nutritional value.
Good to give scratch during the winter since it puts weight on the chickens.

 

[stefansmomma]

Phew, very informative. Thanks so much. I wanted to start them on Dumor from Tractor Supply because the stuff from the feed store is over 30 bucks and I can get Dumor for around 15. And they eat grass and such so guess I'll need that grit! We normally get freeze dried crickets for treats, they hate the mealworms but I wanted to try the scratch.

 

[stefansmomma]

Okay, so I get home from work and my husband has bought sand to put in their small run. They've been pecking at it, totally loving it. Do they still need the grit?? Or does the sand do the job??

 

[AlienChick]

The sand will not take the place of the grit since sand just is not large or coarse enough.
If you know you've got dirt outside with rocks in it, just shovel up some of that and throw it inside their run.
They'll peck through it to eat up any rocks they need and they'll enjoy doing so.