What feed should I be giving to my 5 birds?

[JoeInPA]

I have 5 chickens, one rooster and one pullet that are both about 21 weeks, and three pullets that are about 12 weeks.

None are laying eggs yet. I have been feeding them Purina chick starter in the red bag up to this point because I didn't want any birds getting calcium if they didn't need it, particularly the cockerel and the younger pullets.

I have offered them all chick grit since about 5 weeks of age and they do eat it sparingly. Just recently I introduced scratch grains which they love.

Ideally I'd like to have them all on one feed. The only feed store near me that regularly stocks chicken feed is TSC and even they are about a half hour away, so whatever I buy has to be available there. I did buy some oyster shell in a bag today.

My 21 week old pullet recently suffered a leg injury that may be a fractured or broken bone. I can't help but worry that it may have been partially due to a lack of calcium in her diet.

Should I continue the chick feed until it's gone (I have about half of a 40lb bag) and offer the oyster shells on the side like I do with the grit? Should I switch to a different feed entirely? Should I switch to the larger grit? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Suedan]

Purina Flock Raiser is safe for all life stages and roosters. Offer oyster shell and grit on the side.

You can mix what you have left with the new formula to gradually switch them over? That way you aren't throwing it all away? On the back of the grit bag it has a age chart for size.

 

[FortCluck]

All flock or flock raiser with oyster shell or egg shells on the side.

 

[JoeInPA]

Thanks guys! I'll get a bag of flock raiser and I'll mix in what's left of the chick feed so that it doesn't go to waste. And I will set up the oyster shell I bought on the side so whoever needs it can get it. Hopefully I get some eggs soon!

 

[FortCluck]

I had some that just started laying at 8 months it was a long wait

 

[JoeInPA]

I had some that just started laying at 8 months it was a long wait

Oh man, I could imagine! Everytime we have guests I always get the question, "Any eggs yet?" And I always have to give the disappointing answer, "No, nothing yet."

 

[GC-Raptor]

Should I switch to the larger grit?

Yes: The Adult size Poultry Grit should be introduced after 7 weeks of age. Unless they free range on rocky unfrozen ground, Poultry Grit is a good idea especially if they get treats. .

Should I continue the chick feed until it's gone (I have about half of a 40lb bag)

The Purina Start & Grow feed in the Red bag that you have is Medicated. You can finish it up then switch to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed.
You can give these feeds till all are Laying or keep them on a higher Protein (18/20%) feed with Oyster Shells separately. GC

 

[FortCluck]

I am trying Dumor finisher to see what my chickens think. It was less money and more food plus okay with ducks. The all flock wasn't stocked at TSC.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I am trying Dumor finisher to see what my chickens think. It was less money and more food plus okay with ducks. The all flock wasn't stocked at TSC.

Yeah, I find Flock Raiser is sometimes sold out when I'm at TSC.
I have 2 other feeds that I and my Chickens like. They are Crumbles and 18% Protein and usually within a month of mill date. GC

 

[FortCluck]

Yeah, I find Flock Raiser is sometimes sold out when I'm at TSC.
I have 2 other feeds that I and my Chickens like. They are Crumbles and 18% Protein and usually within a month of mill date. GCView attachment 1960867

Yeah flock raiser and all flock are always gone when I go so I just get Dumor sometimes. I've been giving mine some soldier worms too. I give it to the meat chicks too to keep them occupied.