Another feed and age ????

[birdface]

Is 16 weeks too young to be feeding layer. I just put two birds in with my older ones that are laying and have a bunch of food left. i dont want to go buy a bag of flock raiser to use for just a couple of weeks. I do have a lot of start and grow left over from when the were younger that i could put out there. I know that layer isnt good for their liver is they are too young

 

[lambchicks]

So what do you feed your older ones? and what is flock raiser?

 

[Den in Penn]

If the feed you have leftover isn't medicated chick starter, you could just mix it in with the layer. For the short time they all are eating the mix nothing dire will happen. Especially if you use a calcium supplement, oyster shell or feed back egg shells. If its medicated well hmm.

 

[Fred's Hens]

You can feed any bird = non medicated chick starter, grower, or flock raiser. When you have a mixed flock, it's just easier. Offer shells on the side, and you're good to go. Young birds seldom mess with the shells, as their bodies aren't desiring the high calcium.

The problem with rushing the layer to young birds is that many simply don't come into point of lay until 26-28 weeks of age. Feeding super high calcium layer formula just isn't indicated for non laying pullets. While there'd be little you could detect on the outside, internally, there is just this risk of renal/kidney damage from the calcium buildup. It is possible your pullets won't lay for another two months, far too long to be on high calcium layer formula they do not yet need,

Once a pullet goes into lay, she can use the calcium.

 

[Den in Penn]

I'm sorry. What Fred said is right. I should double check what info is given twice or so. Then consider. Then write so even I can understand. I may not live long enough to get as good as some on here. I missed their age to focus on the left over feed.