What should I be feeding my Speckled Sussex chicks?

[kellgirl360]

I have 4 week old speckled Sussex chicks, and I have them on Purina Start and Grow, but it says its for small to medium breed egg layers. I thought speckled sussex were a large breed though?
So my question is should I switch the to something else? I have watched videos online of other chicks and mine definitely seem smaller. Maybe I am paranoid?
TIA

 

[Percheron chick]

You're fine.

 

[3riverschick]

I have 4 week old speckled Sussex chicks, and I have them on Purina Start and Grow, but it says its for small to medium breed egg layers. I thought speckled sussex were a large breed though?
So my question is should I switch the to something else? I have watched videos online of other chicks and mine definitely seem smaller. Maybe I am paranoid?
TIA

No, you are not paranoid. I had the same problem last season with my Light Sussex .

Sussex are a dual purpose breed whose main talent as always been as a meat bird. They lay eggs very well, but historically they are a meat bird. They need to be raised like meat birds with a higher protein percentage in their feed. . 16% or 18% or even 21% will not do. ( I tried them all) . I found that out the hard way. Now I am using Agway Meatbird (in the green bag). It's for all ages and sexes from birth to butcher. (or if you aren't going to butcher, just keep them on it). It's 22% and I have noticed the difference in my birds. Some Sussex breeders even use a 24% Gamebird Starter on their Sussex chicks ( both sexes), certainly nothing wrong with that. When your birds get to laying age , in addition to the Feed, start them on either Sprouted oats or Calf Manna to encourage even more eggs. There are several Sussex threads here at BYC with helpful folk on them. Glad you asked now instead of waiting like I did. I will grow bigger chicks this year because now I know better.
Best Regards,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[kellgirl360]

First, thanks for your response! I will definitely look into that product. Also, I am raising my speckled sussex for eggs, so will the meatbird feed have any negative effect on that?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I agree. I feed all of my dual purpose and ornamental breeds game bird feed (unless I can't find it, then they get an all flock formula). The extra protein seems to put meat on their bones better. And no, it wont effect egg production. If anything, the only side effect I notice I'd that they lay just as many eggs without consuming as much feed. Good luck

 

[3riverschick]

First, thanks for your response! I will definitely look into that product. Also, I am raising my speckled sussex for eggs, so will the meatbird feed have any negative effect on that?

Not it will not. the breed just needs this 22% or more because of what it is, whether you use it for meat or eggs.
Best,
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: Hi, howfunkyisurchicken ,
What brand of gamebird feed are you using?
Thanks,
Karen

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I think its Southern States, I get it at my local co-op and of course I threw the bag away after I dumped it into my feed bin. Just ask the sales clerk for game bird feed. Then they usually ask something like "sporting birds" or flight developer. I just tell them to give me whichever has higher protein. Any all flock type feeds I have to buy, I just mix right in with it. I don't really have layers anymore, mostly ornamental breeds, but when I did have them they laid like crazy. I feed it to everybody, broodies, chicks, roosters and when we had ducks, they ate it as well

 

[3riverschick]

I think its Southern States, I get it at my local co-op and of course I threw the bag away after I dumped it into my feed bin. Just ask the sales clerk for game bird feed. Then they usually ask something like "sporting birds" or flight developer. I just tell them to give me whichever has higher protein. Any all flock type feeds I have to buy, I just mix right in with it. I don't really have layers anymore, mostly ornamental breeds, but when I did have them they laid like crazy. I feed it to everybody, broodies, chicks, roosters and when we had ducks, they ate it as well

Yes, I can get Southern States here at our Agway. You were feeding it straight ...
and also if, regular "all flock type", were mixing it into that. What was your ratio
of gamebird to "all flock type" ?
Thanks,
Karen