starter feed advice

[kimpaw]

I am not sure my feed and seed guy gave me the right advice on feeding. He sold me blue seal grower-cal mash for starting my chicks( they are one week old). and said giving chickens grit was a thing of the past. I would appreciate a few other opinions. I think I prefer a non-medicated starter. what are the trade offs, thanks,kimpaw

 

[chick4chicks]

I would deffinately get them on chick starter. I personally use medicated but it is different for other people.

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[gritsar]

Your one week old chicks are not ready for grower. They need chick starter. Medicated or not is up to you. I personally don't think it does any harm and can do good. Harder to find non-medicated in most places.
Grit is not a thing of the past. Your chicks will need it once they start eating solid food other than their chick starter. Once they are out in a run they can usually find it themselves in the dirt, but it's inexpensive and doesn't hurt to offer it.

 

[kimpaw]

thanks I will get them on starter today. Is play sand a good grit? How do I present it? Are tent caterpillars a good treat? how soon? Kimpaw