switching feed

[bturbo87]

ive got 5 week-weel and half old chicks. 2 standard rocks, 2 bantum cochin and1 unknown bantum. i currently have them on medicated starter feed, when do i need to switch to non medicated. when do i need to switch to grower, and when is it ok to start introducing treats. also, if i cant switch from medicated to non medicated right away, because i spent all my spare$$$ on the brooder, will continueing giving them the medicated feed till payda have any adverse effects???

 

[RAWR]

You'll continue on medicated starter feed, no need to switch. You'll switch from starter feed to layer feed as soon as they begin laying eggs.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I'd just keep them on what you have them now until they begin to lay. Then move them to layer feed or a general purpose feed like Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side.

.....Alan.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest you check out this article. It should clear things up for you, at least in a few things.

Oregon State - Feeding Chickens
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw477/#anchor1132074

I'd continue feeding that starter feed until it is gone. It will not hurt them, medicated or unmedicated. The standard recommendation in feeding pullets so they will mature and develop properly into good layers is to switch to grower at 6 weeks of age, then switch to layer at 20 weeks or when they start laying, whichever happens first. If you finish the starter a week or so earlier, go ahead and switch to grower. If you have a lot of starter left over, get some grower around 6 or 7 weeks of age and mix it with the starter until the starter is gone. It is not an exact science for us hobbyists. If you were a commercial operation where you are trying to get 10,000 layers to proper laying age and a small difference in laying may run you out of business, it becomes more important. With just a few chickens, you and I will never notice the difference and it will not hurt your chicks.

If you are growing meat birds instead of developing layers, the story is a bit different. Since you have the bantams, I doubt it is meat birds so I'll stick to talking about developing a laying flock.

Good luck with it and enjoy.