When is safe to change chicken feed and to what?

[PD-Riverman]

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...

They really don't need the extra calcium until, they start laying---is why I wait for the first egg. I do not know where you are but here If the age is right for pullets to start laying. they start laying if its in December or Jan, etc. I always get a good supply of eggs through the winter----probably Location?

Just looked at your location----we kinda in the same Zone so I do not know, but I only keep young chickens ---usually less than 2 1/2 years old!

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

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.

I start my chicks on medicated chick feed to prevent them contracting coccidiosis with chick grit and plenty of access to water. Then I use regular chick feed on everyone in the coop they will be joining once they feather out. That way there is no chick death due to too much protein/calcium. I start them back to regular layer pellets with granite grit when they are about 5 months. The average hen matures sexually around six months depending on the breed and will start laying starter eggs, double yokers, or smallish eggs until they get into the full swing of things. First time chick owners usually pull out their waiting for the first egg, again, depending on the breed.

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

They really don't need the extra calcium until, they start laying---is why I wait for the first egg. I do not know where you are but here If the age is right for pullets to start laying. they start laying if its in December or Jan, etc. I always get a good supply of eggs through the winter----probably Location?

Just looked at your location----we kinda in the same Zone so I do not know, but I only keep young chickens ---usually less than 2 1/2 years old!

Most chickens slow down or stop during the darker months, unless you trick them with lighting. I prefer to put a little cyan pepper in their food during those months to try to get at least a trickle of eggs coming in. However, if a chicken starts laying during that time, they usually keep on consistently laying through those months. The next year during the winter months they will slow or stop. But, unless you are think of White Leghorns that are used commercially for two years and discarded, it is because they are looking for quantity. Chickens can keep reliably yielding for more than 2.5 years.

 

[PD-Riverman]

Chickens can keep reliably yielding for more than 2.5 years.

That's exactally right----that's why I sell them around 2 years or so years old----the person that buys them gets a good laying chicken. I get a decent price, I get to keep young ones in my flock, get eggs through the winter and I rarely have one die---never from old age.

 

[Jacquieh]

Ok, I have a question. I only have two girls, and I have them on the medicated chick feed (crumble stuff)...I also feed them treats, mostly corner on the cob. My first girl LOVES her corn, and I'm concerned that she isn't eating her crumble. I had No idea I shouldn't be switching their food until a certain age. I recently got them the pellets, and they are black oil sunflower pellets or something? And my BSL doesn't seem to care for the pellets either....I tried something new, cause I was concerned she wasn't gaining weight and Only wanted the corn on the cob? Any suggestions? I know I asked several questions....lol...the feed store lady told me, "chickens are extremely easy to raise, and that she won't starve herself, she's just being picky! " But, I don't trust her...
I was also feeding her, (BSL) the chick scratch stuff, it had small pieces of broken corn, some other small seeds, and some crumble in it....but she wasn't crazy about that either. So when I ran out, I didn't get anymore. Is she just spoiled? Or picky? I just want her to be happy. And she is only Really happy with the corn on the cob.
Thanks again, Jacquie

 

[Kiki]

Read this:
feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[Folly's place]

Corn and other treats are just that; TREATS, not balanced nutrition. Stop feeding anything but the fresh, balanced, chick feed. She'll get over it and start to eat the good stuff, not having goodies to eat instead. Always check the mill date on the feed bag, and don't buy anything older than four weeks, and that you can use up in another week or two. Freshness matters! Mary

 

[Circle W Farms]

I have been looking at changing to an all flock feed but I have found a Southern States Specialty Flock Super Breeder. I compared the labels with the Purina all flock and their are pretty much the same except Super Breeder has 1% more protein and no vitamin a or e. Do ya'll think this would be good or should I go with Purina?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have been looking at changing to an all flock feed but I have found a Southern States Specialty Flock Super Breeder. I compared the labels with the Purina all flock and their are pretty much the same except Super Breeder has 1% more protein and no vitamin a or e. Do ya'll think this would be good or should I go with Purina?

I would want a fortified feed with all vitamins and minerals. I use Purina and Nutrena Naturewise, which ever is fresher. Both are fully fortified and have Prebiotics and Probiotics, for Gut health. GC

 

[Kiki]

Fermenting their feed is good too.