start n grow isn't holding my chicks...

[mamaboyd]

My 4 week old chicks are going through a 50 lb bag of start n grow in 4~5 days.

They don't seem to be satisfied and are always seeming to be starving and yet their feeders are always full, they just empty them so quick. When can I start feeding scratch or layer crumbles?? Can I mix them with start n grow? The instructions on the bag of layer crumbles says not to feed until chicks are about 18 weeks old
At this rate, the chicks are eating more feed than my 2 horses LOL. Any advice??
Oh, my chicks are meat and egg birds(dual purpose), we are going to use most of them for meat.

Thanks!

Trish

 

[rockAdoodle]

how miny chic u have ?

 

[mamaboyd]

59!! We use 3~ 24 inch feeders overflowing with feed.

 

[MayberrySaint]

Your chicks are at that "teenager" stage...just like a teenage boy, they are never full!!! Keep throwing the feed at them...don't switch to a layer ration (it will only make the situation worse; i.e. lower protein, calcium too high). Just remember...every 2 lb of feed your giving them, they are gaining a lb of bodyweight.

 

[mamaboyd]

Thanks!!! They remind me of my 12 yr old daughter who is always digging in the cupboard for something to eat every half hour, don't know where she puts it, LOL.

 

[mamaboyd]

Another little question... Will it hurt my chicks to give them some layer crumbles mixed with the start n grow until my hubby gets home with another full bag of start n grow??

 

[dreamgirl]

I believe layer feed may have too much calcium in it, and may dilute the protien they are getting. You'll need to check the bag and use your judgement.

 

[MayberrySaint]

Quote:
It won't hurt them at all...for a temporary fix. The lower protein and high calcium would take several weeks to cause a problem.

 

[silkiechicken]

LOL! 59! No wonder you are going though a bag every 3-4 days! By the time thoes meat birds reach market weight, they will have consumed something like 12-15 50# bags of feed! Just wait and see what they eat like at 6 weeks old. If you are raising that many, buy half a ton of feed in bulk rather than 50 lb bags individually. 50lb bags get expensive very quickly, especially up here at $14 a pop.

As for feed wastage though, I would make sure the feed troughs are just above the level of their backs as they do tend to spill alot if they don't have to reach for the food. I resored to using the cylinder feeders rather than troughs too beecause they waste less out of them. Making the feeder high will also help with leg problems. I am assuming you have lots of cornish x's.

 

[MissPrissy]

Just to be safe have you checked them for worms? Animals tend to eat alot more when they have a parasite.

I have 46 four week old chicks and they are on the third 50lb bag of feed now. I have not supplemented with treats. I do make sure there is plenty of water. Also the feeders are raised up so they can't waste feed by spilling or scratching it out.

The first 2 weeks they did eat so much I thought about calling them piglets instead of chicks. They ate a gallon measure of feed twice a day. They are still pigs but it is slowing down a little.

Good luck with your birds.