Starter v layer feed.

[UTAHEM]

My chicks are just about to start laying. They are getting red in the face but not squatting. I put out oyster shell and a bit of grit. They are just about out of their starter feed. Is it ok to just buy the layer feed now? I would guess they are 20-25 weeks old.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would keep them on a grower, it's higher in protein and will help them to continue to grow, I don't switch to layer until most are laying, and sometimes I just stay on a grower or all flock.

 

[Chicken girl 15]

I like grower. My flock is good and plump with that and all the free range they can handle. Oyster shell on the side for the older girls . The youngens and Roo's need the protien not the calcium of the layer. Calcium is easy to supply on the side but not take away.

 

[UTAHEM]

Our chicks are confined to a run and a coop. We throw weeds in their run a lot! They love them!!! Thanks for this advice! I'm finding that there are so many variations on how to care for your chickens, many are great for the chickens, it's kind of personal preference! I read that you should start to offer oyster shells once they show signs of beginning laying. . . so I did. Also, I've avoided scratch because of our hot temps - I will start to use it as it cools down.

We have a rooster too - we aren't going to keep him though.

Thank you!!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed scratch year round, it encourages them to peck and scratch and find food which is good for their mental well-being, I use way more than recommended, but you could just toss a handful in the run twice a day for happy chickens, I also use bird seed, they love it.

 

[UTAHEM]

LOL! See what I mean about so many ways to do this! It is 90+ degrees here most of the summer and someone told me it would lead them to get overheated. I throw some food in their run and the weeds often. . . I'll get some chicken scratch though as the temps will be decreasing. They are funny little things!

 

[junebuggena]

LOL! See what I mean about so many ways to do this! It is 90+ degrees here most of the summer and someone told me it would lead them to get overheated. I throw some food in their run and the weeds often. . . I'll get some chicken scratch though as the temps will be decreasing. They are funny little things!

This time of year, bird seed is starting to go on clearance. I stock up and use it as scratch. Anything that the birds don't eat will sprout. It's the cracked corn in scratch grains that is thought to generate heat.

 

[UTAHEM]

I think the bird seed is a great idea! I will get some scratch with corn in it for the winter as we tend to get pretty cold here in Utah. Do they like the suet baskets in the winter?

 

[junebuggena]

Mine love suet.

 

[Blooie]

I think the bird seed is a great idea! I will get some scratch with corn in it for the winter as we tend to get pretty cold here in Utah. Do they like the suet baskets in the winter?

Mine love suet cages year round! In the hot dry months of summer I cram them as full as possible with apple chunks, hunks of melon, cukes, tomatoes, kale, cabbage - whatever I have on hand. I hang two or three of them on the sides of the run and they have a blast digging stuff out of them. Then in winter I give them homemade suet cakes. When I'm making a bunch up for my other bird friends it's no biggie setting some aside for the chickens.