newbie trying to do everything right

[davimi]

Hello,
I have 5 Buff Orpingtons chicks. They are almost 4 weeks old. I have been feeding them the starter feed from Tractor Supply with a little parakeet grit mixed in. At what point do I switch the food and is oyster shell a must.

I also was wondering if anyone has experience with Buff Orpingtons. Mine are all supposed to be hens. One looks different. The feathers are forming a little slower and the tail is not as fluffy and long. It also seems to be more aggressive. My guess, we have a rooster in the bunch. I did not know if it was possible to tell the difference by looks at this early stage.
Thanks

 

[debilorrah]

I absolutely LOVE my buffs. They are friendly, good layers, winter hearty, just really good birds. I fyou bought a 50 lb bag of starter, I would feed it to them til it is either gone or they reach 12-14 weeks. Then use the grower til they are of laying age. Oyster shell is not a must, but we buy the pay mash with oyster shell in it. Sometimes we really have to bang the eggs to crack them too!!!

I, unfortunately, have no way to tell a rooster from a hen until it either crows or lays an egg.

Gotta love those butts!!!