Salop Chuck Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Hi everyone I am hoping to collect 2 x Light Sussex bantams that are 9wk old 'growers'. I have only ever taken on POL pullets so could do with some advice on caring for them. I have been told by the breeder that they will be fine outside Can Light Sussex bantams be accurately sexed at 9 wks? Where's the best place to buy growers pellets where the pellets are small enough and am I correct in thinking that you don't supply mixed grit at this stage in their deveopment - I have heard it is bad for them. They will be housed in an eglu with a run so they will have access to grass and kept away from my resident hens until they are old enough to be integrated. Any other bits of advice would be most welcome. Thanks in advance. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Yes you asre right, no mixed grit until they are at POL. The calcium can damage their organs. It is alright to give them a bit of flint grit, but to be honest, don't bother, they will get plenty of grit from growers feed and if they are going to be on grass they will get any extra they need from the soil. In terms of pellet size, it simply depends on what make you get, but if you go to a decent stockist, they will probably be able to tell you the different size of the pellet. Of course, if you still don't feel confident, you can always just get growers mash. Or, since they are nine weeks old they will already be on growers pellets, you can just ask the breeder what they feed them, they may be able to give you a bag...always worth asking. From what I know about light sussex, they can be sexed by someone who knows what they're doing, at quite a young age, so I think it should be fine, although I have no specific knowledge. Other than that growers are no problem, but since they are bantams and babies I would be extra careful about making sure their run is secure, and that their door is shut every night. Good luck Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 my 9 week old growers are on Fancy feed growers pellets to be honest they look the same size as the layers pellets which they steel of out of the big girls feeders when they are FR now they are tall enough to reach them a small pot of flint grit if they are to FR won't hurt until they learn to pick up bits of grit/stone up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Chuck Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 Thank you both for your valued advice and tips - I feel more reassured. I will probably buy some growers pellets from the breeder when I collect the bantams and possibly get some reassurance from her that she would take any of her stock back if they turned out to be cockerels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
