[chooknewbie]

Howdie everyone.... another annoying question coming up that has probably been asked hundreds of times.... (i have done a search honest and i havent managed to find the answer)...so

When do you change chicks food over and to what.....?

My book said to change to growers at 6 weeks, and then to developers at 14 - 20, and then on to layers....would like some advice from someone other than the book though as books not always the best advice (add to that i have never seen pullet developer in any of the shops i get my feed from) and i am somewhat confused as the protein in layers and growers is the same, yet the books says not to give layers until they start laying at 18- 20 weeks.... i know i am being blonde ( i am allowed cos i am blonde) but am somewhat confuddled....   :shock:  :shock:  :shock:

[richyrich7]

The timing sounds about right but it's a long time since we had day olds and reared them on.

[chooknewbie]

*tootles off an a web hunt for "developers"*

[chooknewbie]

and i quote "For the small flock owner, a complete feed obtained from your local feed dealer is convenient. Farms that have adequate mixing facilities for other livestock operations can use local grains mixed with the appropriate commercial concentrate. Follow the directions provided by your local supplier. A starter mash is generally fed for the first 6 to 8 weeks. Pullets are then fed a grower or developer mash until they are ready to lay at about 20 weeks of age. They should be fed a laying mash when they start to lay eggs."

oh bum....now i am confused again....

[richyrich7]

*tootles off an a web hunt for "developers"*

oh goodie you can then tell us all the difference  

[chooknewbie]

according to  The Home Flock "You should feed pullet chicks a 20 percent protein starter ration for the first six weeks, followed by a 16 percent grower ration until the pullets are 14 weeks old. Between 14 and 22 weeks of age, egg-type pullets should be fed a developer ration containing about 12 percent protein. You may feed the developer ration until 24 weeks of age for meat-type pullets. Then feed the pullets a 16 percent protein laying ration."

[richyrich7]

We gave ours layers at around 18-19 weeks it's all variable a little,no point buying a huge sack of growers for 2 weeks feed. Try not to worry too much  
Probably growers has less calcium in than layers as to much can lead to kidney problems i think.

[richyrich7]

Grannie will probably know for sure, as she rears them from day olds all the time.

[chooknewbie]

the thing is i have run out of growers...(greedy lil beggars they are!!!!) but i have layers for my big girlies.... i dont want to damage the lil ones (8 weeks old) by giving them layers until i get some growers later on tomorrow morning....

[richyrich7]

Giving them layers won't harm them for 1/2 a day, better than them going hungry at that age.  

[chooknewbie]

thats what i hoped for...my OH very kindly went down to the lottie to fetch some for me....in the dark and wet....think he would be a bit miffed if i then didnt use it!      

[richyrich7]

Well at least us blokes have some uses  

[chooknewbie]

well... ya gotta be good at sommet...

[richyrich7]

well... ya gotta be good at sommet...

 

[Foxy]

well this is what I do with my youngsters, chick crumb until around 8weeks old. Growers upto around 20 weeks. Cos I have pure breeds I like to delay them going onto layers as happy to delay them laying.
Layers pellets or mash is designed to provide a competely balanced food for laying hens. I really wouldn't be too concerned about giving them layers fro a while I am sure they wont mind!
There are other feeds which are as Richy mentions for people raising their own birds for meat and some people do mix different combinations of seeds and mixed corn.