When to switch feeds?

[Sarah g 12]

I've been feeding my chickens grower/finisher feed for about 5 weeks since they switched from their starter feed and they're looking pretty big. How do I know when they're ready to switch to regular adult feed? Also, what are the best adult feeds for chickens?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I switched mine to a Layer/Scratch mix when they were 18 weeks (well I waited until we finished the bag). That is when they are full grown. I buy Purina (my grandpa is a salesman, but it is also all that our local store sells), but Manna Pro Egg Maker is good.

 

[Sarah g 12]

Okay thanks. One of them laid their first egg yesterday... does that mean they're almost done growing?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Okay thanks. One of them laid their first egg yesterday... does that mean they're almost done growing?

Yeah, they'll get a little larger, but finish off the grower feed and switch them to layer. Layer will have more of the stuff that they need to keep laying, but will have enough nutrients to keep them growing.

 

[cafarmgirl]

If they are starting to lay and you are still feeding the starter/grower you might consider putting out some oyster shell for them. In fact most people leave it out even after they switch to layer, they'll take what they need.

 

[Sarah g 12]

Thanks! Will they need grit to go with their adult feed and oyster shell?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I think oyster shell is their grit. I don't supply any because ours are free-ranged and they get all their grit from the sand and bits of gravel in our yard.

 

[mrsc1951]

Grit and oyster shell are two different things. A laying hen needs to have both available. Oyster shell is calcium carbonate and they need it to make the egg shells strong. It should be available to them at will. If they are allowed to free range, they will find their own grit - little pieces of sand and rock that they use to help grind their food.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Grit and oyster shell are two different things. A laying hen needs to have both available. Oyster shell is calcium carbonate and they need it to make the egg shells strong. It should be available to them at will. If they are allowed to free range, they will find their own grit - little pieces of sand and rock that they use to help grind their food.

Thanks! I wasn't ever clear on that. I used to give them calcium but the egg shells are really strong anyways.