What type of feed and when?

[mldlm]

Being new to this backyard chicken thing, I think I need clarification on feed, please. I have been using chick starter with my chicks. I have four that will be 15 weeks in a day or so and four that will be 5 weeks old in a day or two. When do I switch the big girls to layer feed? I have also read that they can have all flock feed with free choice oyster shell. Clarification, please….

 

[DobieLover]

Just leave them on the chick starter and put oyster shell out at 15 weeks. Or now. It doesn't matter. They'll all investigate it when it first goes out. But only the active layers will eat it when they need it.
You can also switch over to Flock Raiser or All Flock. I like the 18-20% protein feeds.
I never have and never will feed layer feed.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I dont use layer feed anymore either. Flock raiser and oyster shell for my girls and theh are going great on it. They need the extra protein especially when they're molting

 

[Brooks_]

Flock raiser or starter with oyster shells on the side for me as well. Three hatched so far today. All eat the same food.

 

[mldlm]

So, to clarify it in my head, I can continue with the chick starter for all chicks AND hens with oyster shell on the side? I have already bought one large bag of layer feed to prepare for my older girls. If I go ahead and use that for my older girls, can I then go on to all flock or flock raiser for my younger ones and the older ones, but continue to offer oyster shell on the side? Thanks for your help, just want to make sure I am doing this right.

 

[Brooks_]

So, to clarify it in my head, I can continue with the chick starter for all chicks AND hens with oyster shell on the side? I have already bought one large bag of layer feed to prepare for my older girls. If I go ahead and use that for my older girls, can I then go on to all flock or flock raiser for my younger ones and the older ones, but continue to offer oyster shell on the side? Thanks for your help, just want to make sure I am doing this right.

Yes, but keeping the chicks out of the layer feed will be tricky unless they are fully separate. I would call the store and ask if it could be exchanged.