What age is feeding scratch and laying feed ok? Mine are from 4-5 1/2 mos old

[Jadnils]

My chickens have gone off their feed. I am feeding chick starter and was told to give that to them until they are around 6 mos old. Ever since we got back from vacation last weekend ( 9 days ago) they refuse to eat it. I had bought some "scratch" to supplement and now, that is all they will eat. THey stay out in the yard all day and eat "stuff". I bring them a bowl of veggies, fruit and scraps each after noon and they scarf it down like they haven't eaten all day. I also throw them a cup of scratch every evening and same results, scarfing. Their chick starter crumbles remain untouched. Should I ditch that now? It is the same stuff they have been eating for months, so, I don't understand why they won't touch it now. Should I switch to the laying feed and scratch?

 

[leadwolf1]

You can switch to layer anytime after 18 weeks old. They are probably not touching their starter because of all the other yummy things that they are getting to eat during the day. There are lots of bugs and grass and other tasty morsels right now to consume throughout the day. At night, after they go to roost, go in and check crops. If they are nice and full, they are getting everything they need without the starter. They are also learning that you bring tasty morsels to them throughout the day..who wants to fill up on food where there is going to be tasty treats? Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the fresh fruits and vegies. I would hold off on the scratch however, they just don't really need it.

Mine aren't eating much food right now either. It's hot and they prefer grass and bugs to their normal food. Try not to worry, they will eat when they need it. Just check their crops...I bet you will be pleasantly surprised

 

[Jadnils]

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I have checked their croups and they are ok but I wouldn't say full. I see them picking and eating out there all day long but wondered if they are getting enough nutrition. I have always brought them treats in the afternoon and evenings so, that is nothing new to them. I think they all have lost some weight, mostly due to when we were on vacation, my pet sitter didn't feed them correctly and I had one die -RIP- Zoey.
That's why I am worried and ever since we got back, they have not been eating their crumbles. But, they are eating all day long in the yard...so...I guess I shouldn't worry too much !

 

[leadwolf1]

You are doing just fine..if their crops are full, they are getting all the nutrition they need from foraging..think of it as a break from the expense you will have keeping them full over the winter

 

[Jadnils]

I have decided to keep on doing what I have been doing...giving them treats every afternoon , keeping their feed stocked and giving them a cup of scratch feed in the evening...guess they will be ok...the heat has to be affecting them and they all seem to be doing well...just wormed them too. Now to dust with Sevin for mites and we should be all set...

 

[Cochaura]

Our hens have hardly touched their food for the past couple months. They eat the oyster shell out of it, but leave the food. They love all of the bugs and plants they get outside and seem healthy. I also think the heat has had something to do with it. One of the benefits I read about free-ranging chickens is reduction in food expense because of all the things they are eating outside!
I also read a study about free range chicken eggs vs. commercial and free range have quite the nutritional value attributed to all of the nutrients they are getting by foraging for bugs and plants instead of eating commercial food

 

[Jadnils]

Ok well I guess I was worried about nothing..I'm just gun shy after loosing my girl, Zoey, but then again, she was special needs and was not cared for properly while I was away.

 

[ellandeeranch]

That's about exactly what I'm doing, but I'm so new at all this, I'm just trying to go with the consensus of the experienced folks around here!

I have decided to keep on doing what I have been doing...giving them treats every afternoon , keeping their feed stocked and giving them a cup of scratch feed in the evening...guess they will be ok...the heat has to be affecting them and they all seem to be doing well...just wormed them too. Now to dust with Sevin for mites and we should be all set...