pips_pekins Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Hello. I have two bantam chicks who are about 12 weeks old. Currently they are on chick crumb. At what age is it best to move them on to a different food and what food would people recommend? Also, should I be introducing grit yet and if so, am I right in thinking that this should be plain grit without shell to start? I got the girls from a lovely breeder who has been really helpful but I asked so many questions and wrote a lot down but now find I can't remember everything or make sense of my writing Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 They need growers pellets really, as they are quite small bantams look for a small pellet if you can. Garvo pellets are small and they do chick pellets too, Smallholder brand pellets are also quite small. Its not the end of the world if you end up with standard size growers pellets though, they will be fine Keep them on growers pellets untill at least 20 weeks but they can stay on them until they start laying and even beyond They should have grit with no shell as you suspect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 Thanks Tasha. I have about 2kg left. Can I finish that up before changing or would you suggest changing straight away for better nutritional value? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 I'd get the pellets now and start mixing them in with the crumb so they get used to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bevmatt Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 The Fancy Feed range are all small pellets - perfect for bantams (as well as large fowl). I normally introduce my chicks onto the growers from 6 weeks of age so yours should definitely be on them by now... If your local feed merchant does not stock Fancy Feed but they stock Baileys Horse Feed... ask them to order it from Baileys (sister company) and they will add it onto the next pallet delivery. Any problems just ring fancy feed and ask to speak to Minty Knowles - she will sort it out for you! Bev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted May 17, 2011 Author Share Posted May 17, 2011 Thank you for the posts. I have been able to get the growers pellets locally but could not find plain grit. In the end I phoned cotswold chickens and they are sending me chick flint grit! Hopefully that will be ok for them - they are very little so should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
