when to switch food??????

[bantaclear]

With the chicks that i am asking about i have decided which ones will be for meat and which ones will be kept as layers. I still have more chicks comming and that is y i was asking if i started to give them a broiler grower mix if it would be alright to change once i have decided who is going to be for laying. I have tried to find out where i can buy the flock raiser but so far no luck, im going to call my local feed store and find out if they know or if i can get a simaler food from them. Thank you every one for your help and it now looks like i will only give them the hen scratch once a day as a treat lol.

 

[JodyJo]

Quote:
wow, if that didn't answer your question...nothing will

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Purina Flock Raiser 20% Protein meant for use with mixed flocks. Turkeys, chickens, ducks, from hatch to plate. If you can get it, it's much cheaper than buying all kinds of different feeds for different ages of birds. I even use it to raise nice fat little quail instead of the higher protein gamebird feed.

The only thing your layers need that no one else needs is calcium. You don't have to give them layer feed to provide that. You can give them crushed oyster shell on the side and they will eat what they need. Which IMOH is better than forcing them to eat it in their rations.

 

[cmom]

This is what I do. Others may do it differently.

Starter crumbles up to 8 weeks.
or
Starter/Grower, until I get my first egg .
or
Grower Crumbles or pellets from 8 weeks until you get your first egg.

Layer from first egg on and free choice Oyster Shells. They will take what they want and need.

I use medicated Starter/Grower. I feed it to the birds until I get my first egg then I switch over to Layer. If I have any Starter/Grower or Grower left over when I get my first egg, I mix in the leftover feed with the Layer feed. I have never had any problems. The amprollium in the Starter or Starter/Grower helps in the chicks development in their resistance to cocci. It is sulfa based. There is only a problem eating the eggs layed by the birds that have had the medicated feed when they start to lay if you have any allergies to Sulfa. I really don't think you need to feed them Broiler. If you want higher protein you can feed them Game Bird feed The ingredient are about the same except it is higher in protein.

 

[JodyJo]

Quote:
Purina Flock Raiser 20% Protein meant for use with mixed flocks. Turkeys, chickens, ducks, from hatch to plate. If you can get it, it's much cheaper than buying all kinds of different feeds for different ages of birds. I even use it to raise nice fat little quail instead of the higher protein gamebird feed.

The only thing your layers need that no one else needs is calcium. You don't have to give them layer feed to provide that. You can give them crushed oyster shell on the side and they will eat what they need. Which IMOH is better than forcing them to eat it in their rations.

good to know many thanks!