Scratch and grit?

[noodleman]

Our 6 hens are about 10 weeks old. we are still feeding them the grower food from TSC. when do we switch to the layer feed? Can they have scratch? Is grit something they need? or does it just depend on what they are being fed. The only treats we give them are crackers, graham crackers and greens from the yard.

 

[gritsar]

You can switch them to layer feed around 18 to 20 weeks or when you get your first egg; whichever comes first.
Go light on the snacks. They still need the growing power of their complete feed right now and if they fill up on "junk food" they'll eat less of the good stuff; just like kids.
They can have scratch, but again go lightly.
They need grit. If they have access to dirt they can find their own; otherwise you need to provide it.

 

[jjdward]

I switch them at 18 weeks. I have been told that if they eat only chick starter/grower and then layer mash/crumble/pellets that they dont need grit. However, if they eat corn or scratch, they need grit to help digest the harder feed. I give mine grit anyway even though they are on pellets. I gave mine cracked corn as a treat when they were about that age and had no problems, but they were on grit freechoice. Some mix it in with their feed some give it freechoice in a seperate feeder/container. I freechoice it to mine. Hope this helps!