Totally Frustrated...

[supermom]

I'm having a real hard time with what to feed my mini-flock. I have two chickens that are almost 6 months old (no eggs yet

) I have 3 chicken s that are 10 weeks old. They share a coop/run. I own chick starter and layena food. The problem is how do I feed them together? I have been to 3 stores looking for flockraiser and no one carries it in my area. (I live on the san francisco peninsula) The place I bought the chicks when they were little says "just give 'em the layena" The folks on this site say "Don't give layena to young pullets".
I simply can not continue separating my chickens several times a day to feed them. I am considering quitting and just giving all my chickens away at this point as they are consuming huge amounts of time and not producing anything.
With this economy, I simply can't continue buying more stuff for birds. Please, if anyone can help me I'd really appreciate it. I do like the chickens but with 3 kids, I am going nuts.
Thanks

 

[ChickenToes]

I would just keep them all on starter feed to give the hens that little extra boost of protein. Some people may disagree, but hey. Everyone has an opinion.

 

[ChanceRider]

Can you drive down to San Carlos/Redwood City? Dean's Animal Feeds, 2690 Middlefield Rd, carries Purina Flock Raiser. Not knowing which end of SF you're on, there could be a dealer closer to you.

Try going to purinamills.com and using their store locater... then give that store a call to see if they carry it.

Good luck... I'm in a similar situation... my two ducklings and my nine chicks eat different feed, yet they're housed together. I'll be so glad when they can all go on the same feed.

 

[skand]

Why not mix both feeds, and let them eat togather? My grown hens, which do produce eggs, LOVE the crumble/chick start. And all of them produce very healthy, vibrant, alert babies. If it's healthy for them to start on, why take it away? It provides vitamins, minerals, nutrients,etc. They can't overdose !!

 

[skand]

Also, the only reason I really can tell as to why you give the babies chick start, is becuz it's duh, crumbled. I've seen 2 week old babies try to eat the regular feed, they just can't figure out how to get thier mouth to open so big lol

 

[digitS']

Quote:
What about Nutrena grower/finisher, is it available, supermom? I don't think it would be unwise to even use their Meatbird feed for all of your pullets.

Some folks feed chick starter right up until their birds begin laying and require extra calcium.

Steve

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I don't know how much of each of those feeds you still have to use up.

Have you ever tried leaving out both feeds and see what they eat? As long as the chicks don't seem to be gorging themselves on the Layena, you'll be fine. I've known people that offer different foods to flocks with layers and roosters. The birds seem to know what they need.

You could also just feed starter or starter/grower to everybody. I feed starter/grower until they begin to lay. You could just feed starter for awhile, even after the older pullets start laying. Just leave out oyster shell for them. The younger pullets could start a layer food a little early. I think that would bridge the gap in their ages.

 

[wyliefarms]

In the past we have feed the chick grower and then had a bowl of oyster shells in the coop and if they need it they will eat it.

Sounds like the easiest thing to do...my 2 cents

 

[hinkjc]

I would highly discourage using layer ration on chicks that young. You could probably get away with it when they reach 16 weeks or so, but not younger. It can cause significant growth and internal issues in growing birds, including gout and renal failure.

I agree with those who suggested use "nonmedicated" chick starter for all and put out a dish of oyster shells for the layer girls when they start producing eggs.

Otherwise, ask the feedstore that supplies the layena if they can order some flockraiser for you with their next shipment. They should carry all Purina feeds or be able to order it for you if they're a Purina dealer. Just make sure the flockraiser is not medicated.

Jody

 

[supermom]

Thanks everyone. In response to a few questions: I have almost 20 pounds of each type. The starter IS medicated. I do have oyster shell out. I asked them to carry flockraiser, but they forgot so that is why I have so much food and don't want to chuck it. I can get to Redwood city, but since I have 40 pounds of food, I am not eager to buy more.
SO, I think I'll just keep the starter out for everyone with the oyster shell and when the bag runs out I'll switch to the layer food. I'm guessing the medicated will be fine or why would they sell it?