When to change feed types

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

View attachment 1449612

Beautiful Rooster.

 

[cmom]

Yes they get chick grit, plus our soil is very sandy. New to chickens but not birds, have a 18 year old African Grey Parrot and a 17 year old Cockatiel.

We have plenty of sand here too but the sand is too fine for the birds to use as grit so I give them some in their feeders which I know some people will disagree with but it works for me and my birds. I'm an old lady and have been doing this for around 50 years.

 

[Carolrich]

Use up your chick feed first, then I would switch them to layer feed (if no roosters)...... if you have roosters, I would switch to flock feed and have oyster shells on the side for the hens.

I have six 17 week old chicks and one 16 week old cockerel. When my chicks start laying, I shouldn't feed my one boy layer feed along with the hens?

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

I have six 17 week old chicks and one 16 week old cockerel. When my chicks start laying, I shouldn't feed my one boy layer feed along with the hens?

From my understanding cockerels shouldn't have layer feed. If keeping together it has been said to give flock feed and put a bowl of calcium grit out for the girls. Others with more experience can give more details.

 

[Carolrich]

From my understanding cockerels shouldn't have layer feed. If keeping together it has been said to give flock feed and put a bowl of calcium grit out for the girls. Others with more experience can give more details.

Thank you!

 

[Carolrich]

Thank you!

I have been on the web searching for ALL flock feed and come up with very little. Even tractor supply doesn't seem to have it. Any suggestions?

 

[wyochick10]

This is what I just got to feed my mixed flock. I got it at TSC where I live.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

You know, in my opinion people put too much emphasis on feed. I'm sure layer feed will be fine for your cockerel, and since you only have 1 and the rest hens, it would make sense to just go ahead with the layer feed (and save money on having to buy oyster shells on the side)...... and besides, it seems like there are no flock feed where you're at anyway, so.

 

[cmom]

I have six 17 week old chicks and one 16 week old cockerel. When my chicks start laying, I shouldn't feed my one boy layer feed along with the hens?

I have hatched out and raised hundreds of males and they eat the layer and are fine.

 

[cmom]