When to change foods?

[farmgirl277]

So I have 3 two month old chicks (no older chickens) and they just finished they're first bag of chick feed. When should I switch them over to layer pellets? Should I wait till the pullets start laying or when?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I switch when I get the first egg.
2 months is too soon.

 

[farmgirl277]

Okay Thank you! I wasn't sure.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Above poster is correct but I thought I'd add my 2 cents anyways You can keep them on chick starter until they start laying or after 8wks of age you can change to grower feed. I went through a few bags of chick starter before deciding to "oh what the heck" give them grower feed. Mine turned 18wks old yesterday and I had gotten my first egg on Sunday evening, they are on big girl feed now I mixed the bag of layer feed with what was left of the grower feed

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/feeding-chickens-at-different-ages.html

 

[farmgirl277]

Thanks. I think they'll stay on their chick feed for now. What is grower feed?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Some companies make a starter/grower. Starter is usually smaller crumbles. Some starter is also medicated for coccidiosis. Some is non medicated. Make sure you aren't giving medicated to your older birds. It will clearly state on the label that it is medicated if it is.
Starter/grower is usually anywhere from 18-22% protein and 1% calcium. Layer is usually 16-17% protein and 4% calcium.

 

[farmgirl277]

Okay. I'll see if my feed store has any because they're like 9 weeks old. Thanks for all the information and I really appricated the websight!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Around here, some stores only sell medicated starter, some only non-medicated, some both.

 

[farmgirl277]

Oh i was talking about the grower feed. I also have to get some grit for them. Do you know if i should just put it out in a bowl for them or sprinkle it on the ground? Thanks

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

I have a bowl of grit attached to the inside wall of the chicken coop that I just refill as needed. Lots of people don't believe you need to provide grit if your chickens have access to soil but I disagree. This way I can make sure they are getting what they need instead of leaving it to chance