When to switch feeds

[madmantrapper]

Some where on here is a chart telling when to switch from starter to grower to finisher. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

 

[blbgp]

I was wondering the same thing. I was told some people leave their pullets on chick crumbles until they are ready to lay. Is it better to do that or switch to grower and then layer?

 

[Chicken Ninja]

For me, I just follow the directions on the Nutrena Chicken Feed Label.

This brand of chicken feed is quite helpful for the beginner. It includes directions and tips on the packages for when to feed your chickens, at what ages.

Basically you start out on their Chicken Starter/Grower from newly hatched until about 6 weeks of age

After 6 weeks old, move to their Poultry Grower/Finisher. You stay on this feed for roosters, and move to the layer feed at about 21 weeks old for hens or until they begin to lay eggs.

The layer feed is a complete nutrition source for hens, aside from ground limestone or oyster shells. Besides that, I'd definately recommend giving your flock some treats, as they will love it and it helps them like you more

.

 

[PlymouthRocker]

My girls are on their last bag of chick starter and based on this thread I'll change them over to Poultry Grower. Thanks for the info!

I love it when I call out, "Hello, girls!" and they all come running. Yesterday I have them watermelon rinds and they loved them. I've noticed that my black sexlinks are so much bigger than my Buff Orps and yesterday I saw why. The sexlinks at their fill first and the Orps got the leftovers.

 

[Mahonri]

Here is your chart:
Time line of a chicken

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

This is what i give mine:
Week 1-8 : Chick Starter
Week 8-10:Chick Starter+Chicken Scratch
Week 10-20 "Layena" Adult Feed+Scratch
Week 20+ Layena, Scratch,And Crushed Oyster Shells ( stop giving them shells when they quit laying)

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

Also, at about 4 or 5 weeks give them things like watermelon rhines, lettuce, corn cobs, strawberries, and banana peels. They really enjoy those, but for some reason thay wont eat cabbage or celery

 

[Zahboo]

Start and Grow from day 1- week 20
Layer pellers or crumble week 20- week whenever

 

[kathyinmo]

I use:
Purina medicated Starter/grower until 20 wks, or until egg laying.

At 20 weeks start on Purina Layena, and a bowl of oyster shells.

Also, they need grit available to them.

I have chicken feed and water available to them at all times; never an empty feeder or waterer. I give food and water inside coop as well as outside. I also throw out grit, which they probably don't need, since we have sandy rocky soil.