When to change feeds...

[chickortreat]

I have a question for you chicken connoisseurs. I was raised on a farm and directly assisted in the raising of well over a million chickens (broilers). However, that was a different ball game than raising a handful of backyard chickens. I'm having to learn from "scratch".

We have nine RIR's, one Barred Rock and five broilers. They'll be six weeks old tomorrow. My question is, when do I change from starter feed to something else? I'm nearly out again, and when I went to the store today, all they had was starter and laying mash. I went ahead and bought the layer crumbles since it was so much cheaper, but when I got home, I read on the bag that it's for 22-weeks and up. Will it hurt to feed this to my chickens at six weeks? If I have to, I can go somewhere else and buy some grower. I've heard (and read) contradicting ideas and would like some input from those of you who know. Thanks for any advice.

 

[sparkles2307]

We are learning as we go. DH decided to try Sprout's Meat Maker from TSC as our 22 day olds are going thru 50 lbs per week of starter. The meat maker has a lot more protein, and is safe for use on day old chicks, up to butchering age. He is FINALLY getting off his duff and bringing home sunflowers from work too so we can mix those in. So, I guess I am not much help with your age question...but thats what we are trying!

 

[The Wolf Queen]

Birth to a month you feed Chick Start. From a month to 6 weeks you feed Grower. After 6 weeks feed them whatever.

 

[ChickyLaura]

The Layer feed has more calcium in it though. I don't think you put that out yet, I think you start feeding that at 18-20 weeks. If they get too much calcium not, it's not good for their growing bones. I would hold off on the layer feed for now.

 

[gritsar]

You feed chick starter until 6 to 8 weeks, then switch to grower if seperate grower is available in your area. Then you make the switch to layer feed at 18 to 20 weeks or when you get your first egg; whichever comes first.
If all that's available is a combination feed of starter/grower then you would feed that until the 18 to 20 week mark.

The excess calcium in layer feed is not good for the youngin's.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
This is also my understanding.

I wonder if the layer wouldn't be ok for the meaties, though?

 

[The Wolf Queen]

You can feed Grower a little longer to

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I dunno. Certainly they're not going to live long enough for the calcium to be an issue

but don't they need a higher % of protein than what's commonly in layer feed?

Common sense has to rule too. If you run out of starter/grower at 16 to 17 weeks, I don't see any sense in buying another bag of it. I'd go ahead and switch them to the next level of feed if its within a week or two anyhow.