4 week old chicks ate layer feed!

[bhawk-23]

Hello! I just caught mama hen and a couple chicks up on top of the patio table munching on layer feed!! Most likely a small amount as I check on and count for all 12 chicks every hour or less(yes, neurotic) and they were in the coop last time I checked.

Do I need to be really worried???

 

[Ruby Rogue]

No. But they don't need the extra calcium so I would just feed them all chick starter and put the layer feed away for a while.

 

[bhawk-23]

That is what we did but unfortunately we had a serious issue with a layer and the vet said to offer it again. It is put down when the chicks and mama are in their space over night so the layers have access in the early morning before chicks come back out. Apparently, just lifting it up no longer works. In the garage it will now go. Man those babies grow quick! Lol
All flock is what we have out during the day and chick starter in the nursery coop.

Thank you!

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Okay no problem. I feed everyone chick starter with a side of oyster shell. It makes having a mixed flock very easy.

 

[bhawk-23]

Okay no problem. I feed everyone chick starter with a side of oyster shell. It makes having a mixed flock very easy.

So how do you know the youngsters won't eat the calcium? I would love for things to be easier!

 

[Ruby Rogue]

They may, sometime I see a rooster pecking at the oyster shell. But it's free choice so they should probably only take a bite and leave it alone, unless they need the extra calcium. I also have a 'baby pig feeder' hanging on the wall with the oyster shells in it, which if I had chicks, they couldn't reach it.

 

[bhawk-23]

@Ruby Rogue

And the hens can eat chick starter? Because I am really liking how easy your set up is! I have chick starter in the chick's coop, layer feed for layers but have to remember to put it down at night and pick it back up when they all go out and then all flock in the yard. Oyster shell is set at the far end of the yard where the chicks don't go too much. It's quite exhausting!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've been feeding a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower feed to my Hens and Pullets over 10 weeks old for 3+ years with a separate container of Oyster Shells.

GC

 

[Ruby Rogue]

For sure. The chick starter is just slightly higher in protein so it's actually great for winter.

 

[bhawk-23]

Well, I am kinda happy my chicks ate that layer feed today Thanks for the info!