Baby chick feeder?

[Syo]

I've been doing so much research about our first broody hen, I cannot for the life of me remember where I read about a feeder the baby chicks can get to, but adults can't.
Also,
How bad is it for babies to eat layer crumbles, or adults to eat baby food?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've been doing so much research about our first broody hen, I cannot for the life of me remember where I read about a feeder the baby chicks can get to, but adults can't.
Also,
How bad is it for babies to eat layer crumbles, or adults to eat baby food?

Simplify your life and feed everyone a non medicated starter grower to the whole flock when there are chicks in the flock. I personally never feed layer anymore. It is lower in protein, and higher in calcium, that's the difference. I prefer to feed everyone a higher protein ration, and my hens get a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. My flock is healthier in my opinion now.

Chicks shouldn't have all that extra calcium, and they need higher protein than what is in a layer. They will probably survive it but some may develop long term problems from it.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Very bad for babies to eat Layer. OK for ALL to eat starter as long as it isn't medicated and you provide oyster shell on the side for the ladies who are actively laying.

I use a flock raiser which has 20% protein and about 1% calcium with OS on the side free choice. This is because I ALWAYS have layers, chicks, broody's, grow out and roosters. It's a happy medium.

Layer is too low in protein and high on calcium to benefit chicks. Your flock would likely enjoy a little more calcium, not to exceed 30%.

Pics always welcome!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

They will probably survive it but some may develop long term problems from it.

Agreed... Delayed development (including laying) and *possible* kidney issues.

 

[Syo]

Simplify your life and feed everyone a non medicated starter grower to the whole flock when there are chicks in the flock. I personally never feed layer anymore. It is lower in protein, and higher in calcium, that's the difference. I prefer to feed everyone a higher protein ration, and my hens get a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. My flock is healthier in my opinion now.

Chicks shouldn't have all that extra calcium, and they need higher protein than what is in a layer. They will probably survive it but some may develop long term problems from it.

I was hoping so! Thank you!

 

[Syo]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Very bad for babies to eat Layer. OK for ALL to eat starter as long as it isn't medicated and you provide oyster shell on the side for the ladies who are actively laying.

I use a flock raiser which has 20% protein and about 1% calcium with OS on the side free choice. This is because I ALWAYS have layers, chicks, broody's, grow out and roosters. It's a happy medium.

Layer is too low in protein and high on calcium to benefit chicks. Your flock would likely enjoy a little more calcium, not to exceed 30%.

Pics always welcome!

Thank you! Do you have a favorite brand?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you! Do you have a favorite brand?

To me brand or what they call it... starter, grower, layer, finisher, broiler, feather fixer, doesn't matter and it really is very confusing.

The guaranteed analysis and ingredients do. Mostly protein (it's actually the amino acids in the protein) and calcium levels will be the significant differences. So I spend a LOT of time looking at labels. And if I find something I like better then I try it. Some will have bags claiming probiotics , while others have it but don't spend the $ on the fancy advertising. I'm in Ca and we seem to have lots of semi-local mills. One with corn or marigold will give you yellower yolks than ones made with wheat, doesn't mean they are any different. Since you are feeding chicks as well, I would go with a crumble over a pellet as it will be easier for the chicks to consume. I would try to stick between 20-25% protein (probably close to 20 for light bodied breeds like leghorn, closer to 25 for dual purpose like Rocks). And AROUND 1%.. calcium with oyster shell on the side. Buy the 50# bag if you don't currently use it as it will become a main supply for egg shell production.

I currently use Purina flock raiser (20% protein) because it is available at a price I can afford and does seem to meet the needs of my birds, even when I had ducks. One of my local feed stores (LFS) doesn't carry it while the other does. If I can't find what I want (I won't settle for 18% protein or pellets, but that's my personal needs everyone's may be different), then I will go somewhere else. What your LFS carries may be a different brand then mine.

Hope that made it simpler and not harder!