Stretching food...

[Mamato6]

I was wondering if it was ok to stretch some starter/grower with some turkey crumble? I kept my older ones on starter grower planning on getting them layer crumble when it was gone but then got younger ones that aren't ready for layer feed yet (it's 16% protein) and I still had a small amount of starter grower and had turkey crumble available. I don't want to buy another 50lb bag for a couple younger pullets.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You don't actually need to switch them off a grower as long as it's non medicated. The turkey grower will work fine too. I don't feed a layer, it isn't necessary. I put out a separate bowl of oyster shells when they start laying.

 

[Mamato6]

Thanks @oldhenlikesdogs. I already bought a 50lb bag of layer food thinking I should save what I had left of the starter/grower for the younger ones. I guess I'll just get another 50lb bag of starter grower seeing how it has more protein. And maybe mix it all together unless the layer has something in it that the younger ones shouldn't have?

 

[Circle W Farms]

Layer is bad for young chicks because it has too much calcium for them. You can start feeding layer at about 18 weeks or like oldhen said don't feed it at all but add oyster shell free choice.

 

[Mamato6]

Thanks @Circle W Farms I will continue to separate until the bag of layer is gone and then get starter grower