When is safe to change chicken feed and to what?

[lilblackbear]

Our chickens are 3 months old and I need to buy feed. My question is should I get more chick feed? If so medicated or unmedicated? Or should I start them on laying feed? I see where people sometimes feed layers game bird feed because of the higher protein? Would live opinions want to do what's best for my girls. Thanks in advance.

 

[PD-Riverman]

Unmedicated Grower/finisher until they lay their first egg.

 

[Folly's place]

You should be able to transition to a non-medicated grower, or an all-flock feed. I use Flock Raiser for everyone, with oyster shell on the side for the actively laying hens. It's easiest for my flock, no transition necessary. Your birds could change to a layer feed when they are all in lay, but wait until then. Mary

 

[Kiki]

Chick feed (unmedicated) until they lay an egg.

 

[RUNuts]

May I ask what to look for in a chick feed? And why wait for the first egg? It looks like this batch will mature in winter (October?), so do I continue through the low light days with the chick feed until spring has sprung?

Is this the same for the meat birds?

The excitement builds...

 

[Kiki]

It's mainly the calcium levels.

 

[Kiki]

Calcium is no good for chicks.

 

[RUNuts]

Kiki - I see you are in Houston. I'm on the east side. May I ask where your preferred place to get feed is? I've got a couple feed stores, Tractor Supply and then amazon is always available, for a price. I'm wading through to see if one brand is better. Sounds like they are all balanced. Price shopping to come.

Thank you for the response - calcium makes sense. Too much is not good for puppies either and causes bone issues. That means to stay on the chick feed until spring. I've got a mixed flock and the meat birds may mean switching to a high protein.

Cheers

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Calcium is no good for chicks.

I start feeding my chicks all flock layer feed(blue seal)once they move to the garage.Been doing it for 3 years, never had a problem

 

[Kiki]

I purchase feed at a local mom n pop feed store on the south side of town, just off of the Beltway.
I use a brand that is produced right here in Texas just outside of Houston.
http://www.m-ginc.com

I ferment the feed too!