What do I feed my new baby chicks?

[Miss Dottie]

Hi!

I am new to the forum, and it looks like a great place to learn and get new ideas.

I have not had chickens since I was young, and I just got 4 cochin chicks from my mom's best friend. They are now about 2 1/2 weeks old. I have been doing a lot of research, but everywhere I look seems to tell me something different. They were eating laying mash, but I understand that that is not an appropriate feed for young chicks.

So, should I use a starter or a grower? I do know that I don't want to use a medicated feed. I am diligent about cleaning and just don't want to medicate them. So I read that you use a starter till they are 4 weeks old, and then switch to a grower. But I read lots of other things as well, so I'm a little confused. Also, when is it a good time to introduce scratch?

Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to being a member on the forum!

Amy
+ 4 new baby chicks: Mama, who is probably a rooster, Hawk, Silver Belles, and one who is unnamed. + 2 horses, 2 dogs and 2 cats!

 

[equine chick]

You want chick starter, no scratch yet. I think it's like 24% protein. When your chicks are about 10-12 weeks you can start a grower but I usually leave them on chick starter til right before laying time around 20 weeks.

 

[simba49450]

hi there

i am new too. from what i have learned, that many people go with the 24% feed. i have had my little ones on it for about 2-3 weeks. and for what i am seeing they are developed thier feathers too soon and they are almost totally feathered out. i forgot where i seen it, but the 20% is the best that i have found. are your babies pets or food. myself mine are pets and the slower grow seems to make them stronger and hardier. I do not know if you know this or not but alot of feed places are pushing the oyster shell grit type stuff. from the research that i have found it makes the shell even thicker and harder. but.. some people like that. thanks for listening

 

[dacjohns]

Chick starter. You don't need oyster shells or layer food until they start laying. Scratch would be a treat when they are older and then they will need grit also. Do a search on scratch. There are a lot of posts that talk about it.

Consider using medicated until they are a little older. Despite your best efforts they can catch coccidiosis (sp?).

 

[Miss Dottie]

Thank you so much! I can't believe I posted, and came back within and hour and had a few responses!

I went to the feed store and got some starter. Like I said, it has been awhile since I've had chickens and I couldn't remember what they needed and all the literature out there is kind of confusing.

Does anyone else know when you can expect Cochins to start laying?

Tanks again and have a great day!