What do I do?

[NewmamaHen1974]

Ok, Im not sure what to do. My Barred Rocks are 8 weeks old and going through 55lbs of chick starter a week! I asked the lady at the feed store when do I start them on grower because they eat so much. She said at 12 weeks. She said I am feeding them to much. I fill there gallon feeder twice a day. I do understand they waist some but Ive seen them eat a pint of food in just under 1 hour. I have tried cutting them back on starter and fill in with fresh fruits and veggies but they started plucking each others feathers out. When I took them back to the gallon twice a day the plucking stopped! Help what do I do??????


Jamie

 

[aoxa]

How many do you have?

I've always switched mine to grower by 5-6 weeks old. The starter is the same price as the grower, so I don't see how that will help your situation

Welcome to BYC!

 

[aoxa]

You are not feeding them too much. They should be allowed free access to feed throughout the day. A lot of feed store employees do not know what they are talking about.

 

[NewmamaHen1974]

I'm not worried about the price, I was just worried they were eating to much, wouldn't want the government to tell me my chickens are obese.

 

[NewmamaHen1974]

I happy that im not feeding them to much! They have a chicken run but thanks to my neighbors 6 cats and 3 dogs I cant let them be free range! Thats why I dont have a problem letting them eat as much as they want.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Welcome to byc.

 

[aoxa]

They most likely won't get obese on chicken feed alone. It's the treats you give them in addition to their feed that takes a toll.

How many did you say you have?

Just read another one of your posts. You have 15 chicks that are 8 weeks old going through 55 lbs of feed a week?!

Holy crapoly! I have 36 chickens that go through the same amount, and they are all 8 weeks and older!

Are you sure something else isn't getting into your feed? Mice? Rats? Raccoons?

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

That does sound like a lot of feed. Are you keeping them under lights at night? That would allow them to eat 24 hours a day. I have 35 ish birds of various ages, and I don't go through nearly as much feed per bird. I also switch to grower around 6 weeks.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.