Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[kada6305]

I give cracked corn in ADDITION to layer feed. They need the calcium & extra protein that the layer is fortified with.

when do you start to give them layer feed? when do i change the food from starter?

 

[Bettacreek]

My DH was getting his haircut today and was told to feed the chickens cracked corn. That they don't need layer mash. What do you think?

Eww. They need the mash. My flock free-ranges and I still wouldn't resort to feeding them straight up cracked corn. It's only really a treat for them. Besides, cracked corn really isn't much cheaper than the mash that actually has everything they need in it. Feeding chickens just cracked corn would be like feeding your kids nothing but corn flakes... except that the cornflakes have more vitamins in them.

 

[kada6305]

I haven't pulled them from the bator yet, lol. They're pretty easy though. Docile, small (about 10oz full grown), lay an egg per day (14 grams, lol), won't brood their own eggs though. Keep more males than hens though.

more males? first I've heard that one haha. well I'll get back to you and let you know. we currently have 8 1 week olds. 6 hens and 2 straighruns.

 

[Bettacreek]

I am if you aren't too far. I'm just below Wheeling.

3.5 hours one way and 200 miles, plus tolls, lol.

 

[SilkieSensation]

when do you start to give them layer feed? when do i change the food from starter?

Depends on your birds. Tell me your breeds & I can give you an estimate.

 

[SilkieSensation]

3.5 hours one way and 200 miles, plus tolls, lol.

Ouch! If you're over near Lebanon & have a truck you can bring me some skids & I'll pay ya either birds or cash.

 

[Bettacreek]

more males? first I've heard that one haha. well I'll get back to you and let you know. we currently have 8 1 week olds. 6 hens and 2 straighruns.

Oops, more hens than males, lol. Are your's chickens or quail? Coturnix quail are sexable by 2-3 weeks and start laying by 5-6 weeks.

 

[beaglady]

My DH was getting his haircut today and was told to feed the chickens cracked corn. That they don't need layer mash. What do you think?

You might be able to get away with that in the summer if your birds free range and can eat lots of bugs and plants. Otherwise, not enough protein to support egg production or growth. Don't do it.

 

[Bettacreek]

Ouch! If you're over near Lebanon & have a truck you can bring me some skids & I'll pay ya either birds or cash.

That's 2 and a half hours in the OTHER direction, lol.

 

[cskotek]

I know I give my ducks mainly the cracked corn WITH oyster shell and show bird all in seperate dishes so they choose what they want. I dont remember what we did when we had chickens :/