lassemista
|
6 week old chicksMy chicks are now 6 weeks old. They are still with their foster mum, but seem fairly well feathered. They are about the size of a partridge.
2 questions:-
How long do they need the hen for? I think her owners will want her back soon.
How long should they be fed on chick crumb? I have a huge bag cos it was all CWG had at the time, so that's not a problem, but I understand they should be on growers at some point - my book suggested 8 weeks. Could I give them some mixed corn at this age to get them into their house in the evening, as I do with my adult hens?
Thanks,
Andrea.
|
Chez
|
1. They should be okay without the hen now, if they are feathered. Our broody is taking her six week olds to perch at night, now.
2. I don't think it will hurt them to continue to feed the chick crumbs if you want to use it up. I normally start to feed mixed corn to them at a week or two old - particularly if they are with the broody as she will break it up for them - and they should be fine with it now. I usually move them on to grown up food at about four to six weeks.
|
judith
|
Wot Chez said.
I'm also not convinced of the need for growers feed - mine go straight from chick crumbs to what the rest are having with no ill effects.
|
TAVASCAROW
|
I feed chick crumbs till they are 4 to 5 weeks then I mix 50/50 corn & crumbs for a few days before going over to all mixed corn.
Make sure they have grit as well when they go to corn as they will need it to digest the larger harder food.
|
lassemista
|
Thanks for the advice - great resource is DS
Andrea
|
