Texas

[kjanda]

I wouldn't feed scratch til at least 10 weeks (and of course not as primary feed)

 

[Starfire669]

I second that question. I'm getting some Barred Rock pullets this evening. They're fully feathered but still young. Do they take chick feed or grower? What point to you switch to layer feed?

I was told not to switch my chicks to layer feed till 3 months of age. But no one told me when to introduce scratch.

 

[lisaterrell88]

I wouldn't feed scratch til at least 10 weeks (and of course not as primary feed)

Thanks I was wondering cause I see them scratching around like they are looking for food but I thought if I could let them mess around with it for a little it may not hurt them cause I figured when they are with there mom outside they eat it dont they.

 

[tiedyemommy]

Very nice. If she doesn't use it you may have to put fake eggs in there to show her what itis for. Fake eggs are $1 at feed store that carry them, or you can use gold balls I am told. Good luck!

I'm going to check back later to see if she's used it. If not, I may put a golf ball in there till I can get my hands on some fake eggs. I need to go to the feed store anyway, might get those today while I'm there. I need DE, oyster shells & some meal worms. Gotta show the remaining ladies they're safe & don't have to worry about disappearing like the Quackers.

- TieDyeMommy

 

[RustedOak]

I was told not to switch my chicks to layer feed till 3 months of age. But no one told me when to introduce scratch.

Hmmm... the ones I'm getting are 6 weeks old and the lady said she feeds them layer pellets

 

[lisaterrell88]

Hummm I may have stummbled on to somthing here. I am scared crapless of spiders to the point I will pass out. And I told hubby one good thing about having chickens is when I see a spider in house now I can pickup a chicken and it can kill spider for me when he is at work. I love my chickens lmao.

 

[magpiesing]

Hmmm... the ones I'm getting are 6 weeks old and the lady said she feeds them layer pellets

I

If I recall what I read correctly, they should not get layer formula until they are closer to layer age. The added calcium in it is bad for young birds. It is harmful to their growing bones. I feed a 20 percent protein grow feed. My gang is 7 weeks old and I'm keeping them on it until they are at least 6 months old. They will be introduced to scratch next week when they go out in the yard for the first time. Please verify if you want to.

 

[RustedOak]

I

If I recall what I read correctly, they should not get layer formula until they are closer to layer age. The added calcium in it is bad for young birds. It is harmful to their growing bones. I feed a 20 percent protein grow feed. My gang is 7 weeks old and I'm keeping them on it until they are at least 6 months old. They will be introduced to scratch next week when they go out in the yard for the first time. Please verify if you want to.

Yeah, I've been researching and mostly what I'm seeing is not to start on layer feed until they actually lay. Layer is higher in calcium/lower in protein. Extra calcium hard on chicks' kidneys and they need high protein for feather development. The ones I'm getting are fully feathered so I'm going to put them on grower feed and hope for the best.

 

[magpiesing]

Yeah, I've been researching and mostly what I'm seeing is not to start on layer feed until they actually lay. Layer is higher in calcium/lower in protein. Extra calcium hard on chicks' kidneys and they need high protein for feather development. The ones I'm getting are fully feathered so I'm going to put them on grower feed and hope for the best.

Yes, that was also my understanding...thank you for the validation. Not sure how I will do that though as they will all be living together next week and my hens are all getting layer feed.

 

[magpiesing]

Since we are talking about feed, I have another question. I had to buy a different grow feed this time and it is really different. It is finer than the crumbles and it's dark. I think it has a lot more alfalfa in it. Is this bad or ok?