When to change feed types

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Matzwd said:
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I also have questions about this and didn't think I should necessarily start another.

I have 12-week old pullets and cockerels. What do I feed when the bag of starter is gone? Also, they are currently given chick grit and have a50x50 free range area. They do eat the grit. Do hens and roosters need the same type of grit considering the calcium requirements of hens? Do I need a dish of oyster shells and a separate dish of grit,? Can I mix them in one dish? As you can see, I'm confused, lol..new spazzy chicken mom.
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We are both learning! Everyone learns something new every day.
 
Matzwd said:
Everyone here is so helpful! What about scratch? Is it just a treat, or is it necessary?
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Scratch grains are a treat. They have about half the Protein of Layers feed, and no added vitamins or minerals.
Many people use as a treat to call chickens to them, by shaking a can (I use a red Folgers can) or calling (chick, chick, chick) or something similar.
You want to limit scratch or any other treats, to about 10% of what you offer them, 90% should be a quality feed.
I gave my three hens an apple today, it was bruised but not rotten. They love apples, but its a rarity.
Any time you offer them a new treat, especially when pullets, (under a year) they may avoid it at first.
I didn't offer my chicks scratch grains until they were 8 weeks old. Its important that they get a nutritious chick feed, as they grow up fast. GC
 
Matzwd said:
Everyone here is so helpful! What about scratch? Is it just a treat, or is it necessary?
Click to expand...
Scratch is a treat and be careful about feeding it on hot days. It can heat the chickens up more and cause more heat stress. Scratch is also a helpful tool when introducing new groups of chickens.

Good luck with your babies!
 
My girls (Buff Orps) are 12 weeks old. I started them on non-medicated mash, switched to non-medicated tiny crumbles a few weeks in, and two weeks ago switched to grower crumbles (that really look like half-sized pellets). They are free range and seem to be doing very well.
 

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