Omg....what did i do?

[jmdarrow]

I have just started My first flock back in March. My girls are 4 months old, they have been on chick STARTER all this time, I could have sworn that the girl at the feed store told me to keep them on that for 18 weeks! Now, I read that they should have been on grower feed....then layer feed once 5% start laying.
I am distraught! What have I done? Does this mean that they won't have enough calcium once they start laying? I don't want any ill affects from this. They seem to be large to me and they are not constantly at their feed. (i ferment) they also free range in the afternoon for at least 1 hour, 4 to 5 Times a week.I love my girls, and don't want them to be suffering because I didn't double and triple check.
Please advise me.
Thanks!

 

[enola]

Take a deep breath! They will be fine. I feed all of my chickens Flock raiser. And have oyster shell available at all times.

 

[dawnpel]

Can starter/grower be fed to all birds as long as calcium is offered on the side? I have 10 week old chicks and layers.

 

[enola]

It can be. I prefer a feed that the whole flock can eat.

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sure everything will be fine. However, I've heard starter/grower has more protein than an adult chicken needs. It isn't going to poison them, but it probably isn't as good for them.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with Enola. Welcome to Backyard chickens

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have raised a few dozen chickens in my time. I keep them on starter until they lay. This go around though I switched them to all flock at about 12 weeks. My adult hens go nuts for chick starter like it is a special treat.
Your chickens will be fine.

 

[GitaBooks]

My hens love chick food! Sometimes, I just spread it out all along their feeding space and they eat it up, getting all excited. However, it is a waste as half of it turns to dust that their large beaks can't pick up.

 

[jmdarrow]

Whew! I do give them grit and a few mealworms. okay, mealworms EVERYTIME I need to coax them back into their run which is every time they free range. I just bought a 50# bag of chick starter because of the new silkies I bought a couple of weeks ago. I also leave dry chick starter in their feeder in case they need a little snack. I just needed to make sure they have enough calcium in their diet for laying. Thanks everyone.

 

[enola]

Calcium in a hen's diet is not important until after she starts laying.