The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Connor on December 01, 2013, 08:44:18 pm

Title: Rearing chicks to POLs?
Post by: Connor on December 01, 2013, 08:44:18 pm

Currently i just sell day old chicks so i don't keep them for very long but next year i want to grow them on to point of lay chickens

I currently feed chicks starter meal when do i take them of the starter meal?

After starter meal what will i move them onto?

thanks

Title: Re: Rearing chicks to POLs?
Post by: sokel on December 01, 2013, 08:56:01 pm

If we have Chicks we start them on crumbs and then as they grow move them up to growers pellets. They always seem to eat the layers pellets in the main shed  when they are out with mum though

Title: Re: Rearing chicks to POLs?
Post by: mentalmilly on December 01, 2013, 09:17:52 pm

We also start ours on chick crumbs and then to growers pellets at about 5 - 6 weeks.  When we move mum on, when she has had enough of them, they stay on growers until 14 - 16 weeks when we mix growers with layers.  The little darlings will eat anything though and love layers mash with a few spuds or pasta mixed in for a treat.

Title: Re: Rearing chicks to POLs?
Post by: Stereo on December 01, 2013, 09:22:47 pm

Crumbs to about 5 weeks, then growers, mixed in at first. Try to keep them away from layers until 16-17 weeks as apparently the calcium is not good for young birds or something. Not always that easy I know.......