When to switch feed

[beetlebob]

Well, my chicks that survived (19 total- 2 White Plymouth Rock, 4 Americaunas and 13 Rhode Island Reds (out of 30 total)) are doing well and they are a week old today. Just as happy as can be!! I am buying more chicks today and this weekend to replenish the ones I've lost and to get my flock back to 30 or more. I know I need to keep them on the medicated chick starter feed through about 5 months of age? Is that correct? What do they get fed after that? Do they get fed scratch, layer, along with oyster shell? I'm new to this chicken farming but I am enjoying it so far! My friends say they will be living in a 5 star hotel because I built them a 8 ft by 8 ft by 7 ft high coop that is in a 42 ft long by 21 ft wide fenced pen.


Bob

 

[HenMamma]

I normally start Layer Feed once I start getting eggs.

 

[Judy]

An 8x8 coop = 64 sq ft = 16 chickens. You might reconsider getting more. Although the 4 sq ft per chicken is just a guideline, some find it is not enough to prevent pecking and feather picking or worse, particularly in colder climates. A smaller coop usually only works well in very warm climates with a large run, where they are essentially outdoors almost all the time when not asleep.