⠀ what to feed a mixed flock of chics and guineas

[shoetou]

I have 6 chickens 5-7 weeks old I would say I got them 2 weeks ago they were to be 4-6 weeks old . I also have guineas that are 4-6 months old got them when they were just 1-2 days old . now hear is my question I am feeding all of them high protein chick and game bird feed . should I be doing this for a mixed flock . and can I feed them some different and when should I change to some different and to what ??? reading all the different feed and what to feed and when is just getting me more confused.

shoe

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

you can stick with what you are feeding, or switch to an all flock type of ration when they are older, offering oyster shells and grit on the side. Give them scratch if you want, it's not that complicated, the only thing I think is to not feed layer to chicks, everything else is up to you to decide as far as brand and price and what your birds will eat.

 

[shoetou]

thanks for the reply my next question is . I have been feeding every day they waste a lot of feed its all over the place would it heart to feed every other day and let them clean up the stuff on the coop floor .

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally only put out what they eat in one day, it can take a couple of days to figure this out, mine are always waiting for more when I go feed them, they do clean it up, or maybe switching what you feed them in so they can't knock it out. I wouldn't skip days.

 

[DrPatrickBiggs]

If these are laying hens, then they need to be on different diets. The guineas need a higher calcium feed to support egg production while the chickens still have a ways to go befor they are ready for a layer feed.

If they are not laying eggs, then they can be on the same diet.

If you want to feed them separate diets, then this would be the best approach. Purina has a line of game bird feed that would work well for the guineas and a line of chicken feed that would be great for the chicks as they grow.