When do I switch from medicated starter to reg chicken feed?

[MissBHaven]

I have 16- 5 week old bantam silkies, they are still on their first 50 lb bag of medicated starter feed. I have about 2 weeks left in bag. Should I buy another starter or is it time to put them onto regular chicken feed? They also eat some bread scraps every morning, I use bread to lure them into their run.

(Could also use ideas to lure them back into coop at night, they haven't figured out how to go to bed??)

 

[gritsar]

If you can find seperate grower (most people don't have that in their areas I've found) you can switch to it at 6 weeks. Otherwise you keep them on starter/grower until 20 weeks or until they lay the first egg, whichever comes first. As far as getting them back in the coop, sorry I don't have any ideas. Mine head for the door at exactly 8:30 PM every night.

 

[newchickenfamily]

As far as getting into the coop at night, it takes a little time before they get the idea. I had to round mine up and lock them in their little barn each night for about 1-2 weeks. After that, they got the idea and put themselves to bed each night at about 8:15. Ours are now 15 weeks old.

 

[MissBHaven]

Thank you, I have not seen the grower feed here, but will certainly ask at the Perko store. I guess I'll keep going out after supper and put the little numb skulls to bed. Last night they even stayed outside during a massive down pour. They were soaked!

 

[keljonma]

When you put them out into the hen house, did you lock them in for a week? We found that it helps the chicks realize that it is a safe haven. Then they go inside by themselves at dusk.

 

[MissBHaven]

I locked them in for a few days, not a full week. Actually today, they are "playing" on the ramp for the first time. I am hopeful that they will realize that going in for the night is "THE THING TO DO". Usually once they're out they dont go near the ramp, so this is a good thing! (I hope).

 

[gritsar]

One thing I will suggest. As it starts getting darker out chickens naturally go towards the light. If you can, rig up a temporary light in the coop for a week or so and turn it on at dusk. They will more than likely head in there to get in the light. Once they're are in the habit you won't need the light anymore. Just a thought.

 

[miss_thenorth]

About getting them back in the barn at night-----get them used to the sound of food in a tin can. Shake that and then give them some of the food. They will associate the sound with food.

At night--when it is time to go to bed, shake the can, and they will come running. Soon they will come to the barn all by themselves at night. good luck!

 

[MissBHaven]

The light is a great idea, I never thought of them being drawn to the light, and the coop is pitch black inside at night, so that does sound like something worth trying.

The tin can shaking sounds good too. I call them out every morning with the bread, and try to call them back in at night, but they wont come in to my calling. They actually just sit huddled together waiting for me to scoop them up, and set them inside the little door. They don't even squak or fuss (much). CRAZY things...

Thanks for the ideas, I'll let you know how they work....

 

[MissBHaven]

Last night my chicks (all but 4) came into the coop all by themselves! I watched them play on their ramp yesterday, and at 7:30 I went out with a piece of bread and called from inside the coop, 12 came running, 4 were still undecided. I think they are finally getting the hang of it... thanks to all for your advise!