Best food for chicks and laying chickens?

[Mysticone]

Hey, super excited both my silkies have officially been confirmed female as they have now both laid eggs. Scarlet laid her first yesterday. But now I have a new problem. I have 5 black australorp chicks almost 5 weeks. And I want to integrate them into one flock with the silkies as they are about a little more then half the size and the silkies are so tolerant and patient with them and have been on common grounds with the chicks for the past few days (on the floor indoors, nothing in between them but myself and no signs of aggression whatsoever infact enjoyed a cuddling session together yesterday) and want them to grow up with each other. I am not worried about heat but feed. Obviously, layers feed is not appropriate for chicks of that age. However, the consern I have is getting the adults the calcium if I give them separate calcium from the feed they need since they are laying, but how to keep it from the chicks till they start laying about 6 months from now. Anyone have ideas or thoughts from experience on this?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Offer Oyster Shells in a separate container. , and replace the Layer feed with the Chick Starter.
You're in Minnesota so chances are the Chick Starter if Medicated, will contain Amprolium as the active ingredient.

If it is, the eggs from the Silkies will be safe to eat. Read myth #3, from Nutrena.

Also if you don't already provide Poultry Grit, put out a container, so the Chicks don't substitute Oyster Shells for Grit.

I keep them separated and don't switch positions. GC

 

[Zodiac Acres]

For my chicks I feed Nutrena Chick Crumbles. For adults I use Producer's Pride because it is WAY more cost efficient (12 a bag vs 18 a bag). I use a ratio of 1 scoop pellets & 1/2 scoop scratch grains and have gotten nothing but compliments on eggs and health of birds. Adults get Manna Pro Calcium and extra grit they can use if needed.