Ameraucana Breeders Club

The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club => Housing, Health & Hatching => Topic started by: Kelly Gore on March 16, 2017, 08:58:47 PM

Title: Feeding to get ready for show
Post by: Kelly Gore on March 16, 2017, 08:58:47 PM
As you all know I am pretty new to this breed and am planning to start showing in the fall. I will be picking up a few 1 to 2 month olds this Saturday, from a local breeder who also shows her birds. My question is, do they need to be fed differently than my other birds? Right now they are fed all flock feed, fruits and veggies several times per week, and every one in a while whole oats and a little sweet feed mixed in. What do you all raise your show hopefuls on? Do you start your program when they are very young or wait until closer to show time?
Title: Re: Feeding to get ready for show
Post by: Birdcrazy on March 16, 2017, 09:13:37 PM
I like to use Purina Flock Raiser. It is higher protein than their regular poultry feed. I start day old chicks on it and continue this as a ration until about 5 months of age. It is great for feather growth and gives birds a good feather sheen.
Title: Re: Feeding to get ready for show
Post by: Susan Mouw on March 16, 2017, 09:39:29 PM
I use Flock Raiser, too.  All my birds are on it, except during hatching season, when the hens are on a laying crumble ration.

I do start young chicks on chick feed, but as soon as they go out to the grow out pens, they are switched to flock raiser.
Title: Re: Feeding to get ready for show
Post by: Kelly Gore on March 16, 2017, 11:21:36 PM
Thank you both for your replies! Hoping I get it right the first time!