What to feed em and when to change

[ajlynco]

I'll be starting 6 RIR's and 6 BR's in mid October. I'm interested in what the experienced BYC members feed thier chicks from day olds thru the start of laying and after they're laying regularly. At what ages do you change thier feed? What about additives to thier water while they're growing? I'll be using the eggs from this batch to grow my flock in about 1-1/2 yrs. These girls are my brood stock and I want the best for them.

 

[kiweed]

I used blue seal starter for the first couple weeks then switched to the grower cal pellets until about 18 weeks then the layer pellets. They need water all the time. I didt add anything to the water. Mine are very healthy abd active. Good luck!

 

[Fred's Hens]

I feed a chick feed (medicated) until week 12, give or take. Then, grower or Flock Raiser or combine them until week 18. Layer from then on. I'm flexible a bit on that schedule. The feed mill or feed stores are 30+ miles away, so I'm not bound to it slavishly.

Never have put anything in the water. Never did see the need or benefit.