How much starter feed for chicks

While layer feeds contain a fast-release source of calcium, a slow-release source of calcium such as crushed oyster shells should be made available to laying hens in a separate dish , apart from the feed, not mixed into the feed by chicken keepers.

All laying hens have different calcium requirements and will consume as much oyster shell as they need. Crushed eggshells alone are not an adequate calcium source of supplemental calcium for laying hens.

Hens deprived of adequate amounts of dietary calcium will utilize the calcium stored within their own bones to produce eggshells, which is unhealthy for them. A nutritionally complete layer feed provides all of the nutrients a chicken requires in the correct forms and amounts.

Offering snacks, treats, fruits, vegetables, scratch, corn, mealworms, sunflower seeds, or table scraps dilutes the complete nutrition in a balanced feed.

Limit snacks and treats , even healthy choices , to no more than 2 tablespoons per bird per day and only rarely. Chicken scratch is NOT chicken feed. The contents of scratch vary, but it consists primarily of cracked corn and any number of other grains. Given the power and force of chicken math , chickens of mixed age groups often occupy the same living space at any given time, which raises the question of how to feed each properly. A free-feed dining option is the best and most common in backyard flocks, one in which chickens eat in small increments at their leisure throughout the day.

Chickens have a unique digestive system that can accommodate only a small amount of food at a time in their crops. Alternatively, with a restricted feeding schedule, chickens are fed at specific intervals during the day. Restricted feeding generally requires the use of several feeders even in a small flock and should not be employed without a good reason for doing so and a clear understanding of the purpose of restricted feeding.

Storey Publishing, , pg. Storey Publishing, Corn is a good nutrient for chickens but is it the best? Often more digestible protein can be found in a mixture of lentils and whole grains, such as oats and barley. Think of it this way. Kids cereal is fortified with vitamins, has many of the daily nutrient requirements for children, and tastes great due to sugar being one of the top ingredients. Compare that to a homemade breakfast of whole grain, pancakes and fresh eggs. Which would you rather feed your family every day?

While we might not want to put the same thought into feeding chicks and chickens, remember this. We are what our animals eat.

Whole grain organic chicken food brands consist of balanced mixtures of whole grains or slightly cracked grains. The feed offers the protein, carbohydrates and fats along with balanced vitamins and minerals. Nutrients are lost during processing and have to be replaced with supplements or synthetic forms of vitamins. Chicks that are fed the best nutrition from day one are going to be healthier and more resilient as they mature.

Also, look at the ingredients that are listed first. In a whole grain, organic ration the first ingredients are often wheat, peas, barley and flaxseed meal.

Less expensive rations are often highly concentrated on corn. A higher calcium percentage is not necessary for growing chicks and can be hazardous to their health. No only will too much calcium put a strain on the kidneys, it can also cause accelerated bone growth leading to weaker bones. Calcium should be offered to the flock, free choice, and to chicks after 18 weeks of age.

Grower Feed - Starting with week seven thru week 15, feed your laying chickens organic grower feed. You will need about 8 pounds of feed per bird based on a consumption of 3 ounces per bird per day.

A laying hen will consume about 1. If you have grower feed left, mix it with the layer feed. Each bird will require about 1 ounce per day or approximentaly one pounds of feed for the first 14 days.

You will need about 14 pounds of feed per bird, assuming that you butcher at week 8 or 9. A rule thumb per bird is listed below. This is good for them and encourages them to free range. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at Sales organicfeedstore.