when to feed whole grain/seeds

[CluckyHops]

At what age can we introduce whole grain or seeds to chicks? I have a mixed flock of Golden Comets and Wyandottes that are all 6 weeks old and they have been outside free ranging for weeks as well as eating starter/grower crumble..

 

[Kiki]

Feeding a complete feed only is best.
If you wish to start feeding treats..aka scratch...limit it to no more then a teeny tiny amount per bird per week AND make sure you offer grit.

 

[CluckyHops]

Feeding a complete feed only is best.
If you wish to start feeding treats..aka scratch...limit it to no more then a teeny tiny amount per bird per week AND make sure you offer grit.

Thanks for the advice! All input is appreciated.

 

[Kiki]

Check this out:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production


eta:
This is a good read too:
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw477

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

 

[N F C]

It's nice to have you here!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have Golden Comets 2 years old, I got as day old chicks.
My girls got nothing but chick Starter Grower 18% till 8 weeks old. Then I offered them scratch grains as a treat, scattered on the ground.
I put them outside at 5 weeks in a 500 square foot pen so they had access to bug, worms, grass and weeds. I gave them Chick Grit in a separate container at that time. I offered them Poultry Grit mixed with the Chick Grit at 8 weeks.
They were switched to a 18% Layers feed at 16 weeks mixed 50/50 with Starter Grower feed for 2 weeks, then just layers feed at 18 weeks with Oyster Shells and Granite Grit, each in separate containers.
They started to lay at 16 1/2 weeks and the last to lay at 19 weeks. GC

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and welcome to BYC!
Glad to have you join this community.
Hope you enjoy your time here with us!

 

[jvls1942]

the answer is , they can eat whole grains as soon as they start eating.
If they are outside freeranging, they are picking up whole seeds and grit.
You would be amazed at how large a piece a chick can swallow.
Now, as far as nutrition goes, if you are raising chickens for eggs, then you need to account for the less protein in whatever grain you give to them.
say you are giving them 16% feed. then you throw in some grain that has only 7% protein. the 7% is diluting the overall protein intake. depending on how much they eat of each. which you will never be able to figure out.
So if you want eggs, don't be too friendly with the treats..
Feed them early in the day with the high protein food, and treat them at the end of the day with just a little amount of scratch
chickens don't need treats.
if you enjoy watching them eat treats, take a few pieces of bread and break it into small bits and toss it to them..this is a good way to get them to eat out of your hand, also. great fun for kids..

..........jiminwisc.......