I have been feeding my chickens and guineas and two ducks the Purina Game Bird Feed. It's getting kinda pricey. I have 24 4 week old chicks that I will continue to feed the medicated chick starter until they are 6 weeks.
Since I am starting a business - selling eggs and veggies, etc., at the Farmers Market, I really need to look at my costs. My chickens and guineas free range every day, and at night they go into the run and roost in the coop. Can I start giving them some cracked corn and scratch feed to save money, or will the chickens stop laying if I do this?
And the baby chicks - what should I feed them once they hit the 6-week mark?
I was hoping I could get them out to their new outdoor quarters by now, but it's been really cold and stormy, so I'm paying a fortune in electricity to keep the old milking room in my barn warm enough for them in their 4x4 brooder which is now too small for them! Do I just let them have the run of the room?
Thank you all for any help!
Beth
Chicken and Guinea Feed Question
I believe if you feed your chickens good you get good eggs. We went through less feed in the summer than winter, they still need feed even when free ranging. Guineas are better at foraging than layers so they will eat less feed. Its not going to be easy to make money off of chickens, between feed, straw or shavings, supplies to market them and your time. Good luck!
I put my pullet on layer mash one time, hated it, so after that one bag they have been getting layer pellets.
You could let them have the run of the room if you can keep them confined there. As for feed, I don't remember when we put ours on adult feed. But you would want to give them layer mash or crumble when you do.
Thanks, everyone -
Are there any brands that you like more than others?
And they will be so happy to have the run of the room!!! There is a drain on the floor, so what I can't sweep out, I can hose out.
I use a local grain company and blue seal, depends which way I am driving and who has what. Either way layer pellets are almost $12 for 50lb and game bird crumbles about the same.