Adding New Chickens to the Flock (Food)

[Eggster]

When adding new chicks to the flock, there is obviously a concern with the little ones eating layer pellets. How do you remedy this?

 

[tlcmurphy]

I feed everyone All Flock

 

[Yardmom]

You can choose between all flock type foods that are lower calcium or just feeding the whole flock starter/grower. If you you have laying hens put oyster shells or another calcium choice on the side

 

[RubelliteRose]

At any given time, I have several birds who are not laying eggs - roosters, too young, old, molting... so I feed all flock with oyster shell on the side as well. As a special treat, at least that is what the girls think, I also feed back their egg shells, toasted and broken up.

 

[fldiver97]

I do the same as @RubelliteRose.
All flock comes in pellets and crumbles

 

[Ridgerunner]

My concern with adding chicks is the level of calcium in Layer feed. Studies have shown that sometimes the excess calcium can harm them. I always have non-laying chickens in the flock, a rooster, chicks, maybe a broody, and maybe molting hens. So mine never get Layer but I always have oyster shell on the side for those that need it.
I suggest you look for a feed available to you that has the protein content you want and a calcium content of around 1%. Layer is going to have around 4% calcium, too high. To me the name (Chick Starter, Grower, All-Flock, Flock Raiser, or something else) is not important as long as the nutrient analysis is what you want.

 

[Mrs. K]

I very often cannot get all flock, I just feed everyone starter, egg shells and oystershell on the side.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

My whole flock eats chick starter year round cause I can’t find a decent all-flock where I am. They get oyster shell on the side