Switching feed

[Crickets_Chicks]

When I switch from starter to grower do I mix the 2 together and wean them off the starter feed? Or do I go straight to the grower feed? They will be 8 weeks old on Sunday. I suppose they are ready for oyster shell. I’m already offering them chick grit.
At what age can you introduce raw veggies and fruit to their diet and how often.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A starter and a grower can be interchangeable. Is there a difference in protein content? Is it a different brand? I've always fed a starter up until I switch to an all flock at around 3-4 months. Some growers are formulated for meat birds. You didn't mention what you are raising.

Oyster shells I put put at around 4 months. I start giving some scraps after 8 weeks, but limit them for another month or two so they mostly eat the feed and don't develop deficiencies.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I go cold turkey when I transition between feeds and it's not been an issue.

While you can put oyster shell out early they will not need it for another 8 weeks or more. I would start transitioning out of chick grit though (depending on size of grit as each brand differs, and size of chicks), as it's likely too small to be effective at this point.

You can try some scraps/treats for them now but I'd keep the amount minimal so they're still mostly eating feed.

 

[Crickets_Chicks]

Thank you