Starter + Layer Crumbles = 8 week old Feed?

[rjcoats]

Hi,
I'm new here and new to raising my own flock.
I have 12 chickens what were Pullets from Atwoods purchased Second week of March. I have had them for 7 weeks. I 'm not sure how old they were there, but probably only a week old. So Im going to make them 8 weeks.
They are good size, no longer under lamp (their choice). I believe they are Rhode Island Whites.

I was told possibly I could start them on layer pellets but after reading the feed bag and talking to someone, it was better not to yet, but since they were as big as they were (not full grown, but about 60% grown) I wanted it a mix.

This was before I learned about Grower/Finisher feed.

I bought 50 LB starter, and 50 LB. Layer Crumbles from Tractor Supply.

Is there a problem with me mixing these two feeds to make a "home made" grower feed for 12 - 8 week old Rhode Island Whites?

Thanks
Rj
Arkansas

 

[earlybird10842]

I wouldn't. From everything I have read, you shouldn't start birds on any layer feed until right before they lay. I would wait until they are about four months, at least.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Hi,
I'm new here and new to raising my own flock.
I have 12 chickens what were Pullets from Atwoods purchased Second week of March. I have had them for 7 weeks. I 'm not sure how old they were there, but probably only a week old. So Im going to make them 8 weeks.
They are good size, no longer under lamp (their choice). I believe they are Rhode Island Whites.

I was told possibly I could start them on layer pellets but after reading the feed bag and talking to someone, it was better not to yet, but since they were as big as they were (not full grown, but about 60% grown) I wanted it a mix.

This was before I learned about Grower/Finisher feed.

I bought 50 LB starter, and 50 LB. Layer Crumbles from Tractor Supply.

Is there a problem with me mixing these two feeds to make a "home made" grower feed for 12 - 8 week old Rhode Island Whites?

Thanks
Rj
Arkansas

Follow the feed bag's schedule. These feed companies are following the best science, costing millions of dollars in research monies. High calcium fed to non laying birds is known to cause health issues and in some cases those issues are sobering.

 

[rjcoats]

Thanks ya'll.
I appreciate the advice and will go by it.
I still have a few weeks to use up the starter feed, Then will hook up with grower feed until 18 weeks or they lay an egg, and then laying feed.

I can always use the remaining starter feed as a scattered treat on the ground later I guess.

Thanks again.
Rj

 

[Fred's Hens]

Or just feed it. No need to hold any back just for tossing, unless you want to.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If you are worried about your layer crumbles going bad from the heat during the next two-three months, you can freeze it and then take out just enough for a day or two when it comes time to feed it (so the condensation from it thawing out doesn't turn it moldy).

Feed stores for 3-4 months under optimal conditions (cool and dry) but if you get some bad heat- like if it is in a very hot shed, it will go bad quickly.

Just a thought...thought I'd mention it.

(Everyone is right about not feeding layer feed until they are very close to laying!)

 

[rjcoats]

Ok, Thanks for that info on Feed, I will keep it cool and dry for sure. No problem.
And Fred, I guess I can use the starter feed till its done, then start grower feed? Im looking for advice and I appreciate it. this is the first batch of chickens I have ever raised since pullet. I want good healthy eggs. Im not worried about a little waste but I will keep feeding the starter till its done.
Thanks again.