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

 

[BonnieBlue]

At what age is it appropriate to switch from starter/grower to all-flock? (Crumbles to pellets.)

 

[thecatumbrella]

At what age is it appropriate to switch from starter/grower to all-flock? (Crumbles to pellets.)

My birds can normally eat pellets around the 8 week mark for large fowl, and maybe 10 weeks for bantams. It also depends on the brand size. Nutrena’s aren’t too large. Best way is to test by spreading a few on the ground and making sure everyone can eat them without trouble.

 

[BonnieBlue]

My birds can normally eat pellets around the 8 week mark for large fowl, and maybe 10 weeks for bantams. It also depends on the brand size. Nutrena’s aren’t too large. Best way is to test by spreading a few on the ground and making sure everyone can eat them without trouble.

Thank you. I was thinking around 7 or 8, but wasn't sure. I feed Nutrena. I never thought of scattering around to see if they will eat it.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

While there is variation brand to brand and label to label, an "All Flock" formulation can generally be fed from hatching (assuming its crumble, or you are making mash of pellets) to culling. In the case of some brands, their "All Flock" is nutritionally superior to their Starter/Grower, in other brands, its near identical. A few brands offer a "17% CP All Flock". [Haahhhaahaaaa, NO]. I have yet to see one whose CP is that low and whose Amino Acid profile (which is what CP is used as analogue for) is where you want it in an all flock feed.

Chickens don't like change, which is why many mix feeds when changing - but no healthy chicken will willingly starve itself for long if decent food is available. Your call.