When to transition from medicated chick starter to something else

[BankerJohn]

When is it the right time to transition from medicated starter to something else?

The babies are now 4 1/2 - 5 weeks old. I am running low on feed and will be in need of more food this week. Do I buy more medicated or start to change to something else? What is next for them?

Banker John

 

[ranchhand]

I usually don't switch until 16-18 weeks, depending upon how fast they mature. Then I start mixing in layer pellets over a week's time.

 

[our2chicks]

I was told yesterday by a Chicken raiser, that once you take away the heat and they have all of their feathers, then you should start the adult food.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
If the adult food you're using is layer feed I wouldn't switch until they are around 16-18 weeks or laying. If you're going to use flockraiser or gamebird feed (not high calcium like layer) then that would be fine. The layer has too much calcium for the youngsters.

 

[speckledhen]

No adult feed until at least they are within a couple weeks of laying age, no earlier than 16-17-18 weeks old. They need the starter/grower until they are that old. Now, as far as the feed with amprolium (coccidiostat), you can feed that until the same age or switch them to non-medicated after about 10-12 weeks old, if you wish. I can't find non-medicated feeds around here except for layer.