Starter food for chicks then beyond

[beaky1980]

So we just purchased some chickens (a few different kinds, Cornish cross, a few layer varieties) and they are almost 2 weeks old from my best guess. 25 meat birds (mix of Cornish cross and rudd ranger), then 15 of a mix of australorp, speckled Sussex and buff Orrington. My idea is that with the 15 mixed layers, I'll have a total of 6 hens for laying only. The meat birds will be obviously raised for consumption.

I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to feed all of these birds in the long run. Trying to keep things as simple as can be. Not wanting to buy several types of feed at certain intervals, worrying about percentages, etc.

We currently feed my quails a 26% protein gamebird starter that works out great from our local feed store.

Could I feed all the baby chickens the quail food for a bit (not sure how long) then switch to an all flock type food with 16 to 18% protein, then when the girls start laying adding oyster shell on the side for them? Or do I have to do the "starter, grower, finisher" route? Any advice?

Thanks so much!

 

[azygous]

The game bird feed is a bit too high in protein for baby chickens. Your best bet would be to strike a bargain with an all flock feed such as Purina Flock Raiser at 20% protein. This makes it convenient to feed a mixed flock without needing multiple feeds. Just provide oyster shell for any laying hens, which you're probably already doing.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I think the starter will be ok, but a little too nutritious. The all flock will be fine, and then when they start to lay you can get them oyster shell.

As I’m sure you know, meat birds don’t really live past 6 months, so it’s best to butcher them before they’re in pain.

 

[beaky1980]

The game bird feed is a bit too high in protein for baby chickens. Your best bet would be to strike a bargain with an all flock feed such as Purina Flock Raiser at 20% protein. This makes it convenient to feed a mixed flock without needing multiple feeds. Just provide oyster shell for any laying hens, which you're probably already doing.

Yeah I kind of thought so. Buying them was a last minute decision mostly from my husband haha. So we just gave them what we have on hand.

So could the chickens be raised on one type of feed their whole lives? And then just add oyster shell as needed for laying hens?

 

[beaky1980]

I think the starter will be ok, but a little too nutritious. The all flock will be fine, and then when they start to lay you can get them oyster shell.

As I’m sure you know, meat birds don’t really live past 6 months, so it’s best to butcher them before they’re in pain.

Sounds good. We were planning on butchering our meat birds by fall anyway to keep our flocks down over the winter.

 

[azygous]

I've been feeding Flock Raiser for years to my mixed flock. My current baby chicks have been eating it as well. They are fed this from day one and there's no need to transition them to any other feed. Oyster shell on the side for my layers has proven adequate for their calcium needs.

 

[beaky1980]

I've been feeding Flock Raiser for years to my mixed flock. My current baby chicks have been eating it as well. They are fed this from day one and there's no need to transition them to any other feed. Oyster shell on the side for my layers has proven adequate for their calcium needs.

From what I've seen that seems to be by far the easiest. I like simple.

 

[Folly's place]

It's best to house the Cornishx birds separately, because after three weeks or so, you need to restrict their food to maybe ten hours each day, and your other chicks should have their feed free choice.
Also the Cornishx birds will need less heat for a shorter time, they grow like little tanks! And they are best in the freezer by eight weeks of age, maybe some to ten weeks. We take the cockerels to processing first, and the smaller pullets a bit later.
Flock Raiser, or another 20% protein all flock diet, is great for all of the chickens all their lives, with oyster shell in a separate dish for the layers.
Mary

 

[writerskramp]

So we just purchased some chickens (a few different kinds, Cornish cross, a few layer varieties) and they are almost 2 weeks old from my best guess. 25 meat birds (mix of Cornish cross and rudd ranger), then 15 of a mix of australorp, speckled Sussex and buff Orrington. My idea is that with the 15 mixed layers, I'll have a total of 6 hens for laying only. The meat birds will be obviously raised for consumption.

I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to feed all of these birds in the long run. Trying to keep things as simple as can be. Not wanting to buy several types of feed at certain intervals, worrying about percentages, etc.

We currently feed my quails a 26% protein gamebird starter that works out great from our local feed store.

Could I feed all the baby chickens the quail food for a bit (not sure how long) then switch to an all flock type food with 16 to 18% protein, then when the girls start laying adding oyster shell on the side for them? Or do I have to do the "starter, grower, finisher" route? Any advice?

Thanks so much!

I just use chick starter (non-medicated) till it runs out.. Then crumbles or fermented feed.. There is separate feed for meat birds.. Here, a bird is meat, if I need some. Thankfully I am independently wealthy enough to go shopping. So far.. Rest easy chickee.. for now. Oyster shells I use for both calcium for egg production and grit.. Toss in some cherry stone for the crop.. All is well. Best to stick with what is called for what you are raising.. It's no magic carpet ride, but sometimes you could use a genie. SHAZAM!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Add me to the list of All Flock/Flock Raiser all their lives - free choice Oyster Shell of course. I've moved away from the commercial stuff for price reasons (bought 10 bags, including a few of goat feed, last trip - flock in signature below) and am buying from the local feed store, supplied by the local mill. Cheaper, and fresher inventory. They don't have an "All Flock" so I'm making my own by mixing an 18% poultry (non-layer) feed with a 24% game bird) 2:1 to get to my 20% target.

As I have ducks, going over 20% protein is a potential concern.

I know some use higher protein feeds to bulk up their meaties even faster, since their long term health is definitely NOT a concern, but I have no experience with it, and don't know how much is "too much" before there is a measurable impact on average flock health, or the cost exceeds the benefit in weight gain over time. If you are seeing the feed price increases I am, its not where it was last year.

Looking at my management practices, since I don't keep a rooster beyond a year or so anyways, and few enough of those (dual purpose birds), if feed prices continue to climb or oyster shell goes unavailable again, I may go to another mix.