At what age do you change the chicks diet? Mine are about 9 weeks old. Right now they are on chick starter, and whatever treats they get...clover, tomatoes, cucumbers, raisins, bread, whatever we have left over....Are they missing out on anything that I should be giving them? I just want to make sure that I am giving them all that they need. This is my first time having chickens and I love them!
Keep the treats to a minimum, small portion of thier diet. 16 weeks is a good time to think about changing feed, or at point of lay. Have fun.
The chick starter we use says to feed it until 18 weeks. We did just switch to multi flock though, which is less protein and not medicated. Our chicks are 15 weeks old. When they start laying or at around 19-20 weeks we'll switch to layer or add oyster shell to the multi flock.
I used the chick start until they were about 18-20 weeks. Most say when they start to lay that's when you should switch to layer feed. Also, since your giving treats, you probably should give them some chick grit to help them digest everything, especially greens. (Try not to give too many treats, but I know that's easier said than done!)
Quote:Sometimes it depends on the breed. For example, with Orientals we take them off starter when around 12 weeks because the protein is way to high for them. Personally, I prefer to use a 16% feed after 12 weeks with all my birds; excepting the Stags. They are set free at 12 weeks to eat grass, bugs, mice, etc. I feed them very minimally. One of the best Oriental breeders in the country is in Benson.