Best way to feed younger chicks with older laying chickens

[ChickenzRCul]

Hey guys

So i recently introduced my soon 10 week old chicks (Araucana and Rhode Island Red) to my soon 20 week old chickens. Im not having a terrible time feeding them but its definitely an inconvenience. What I do is in the morning when the bigger chickens are out i close the coop door for the little one (which wont come out unless i push them out to get water) and put a bowl of feed in there for them, then i do the same thing at night. Is there an easier way for me to do this and any advice on getting the chicks to come out of the coop (they wont come out because the bigger chickens bully them and peck at them, but not to hurt them, they are just surprised by it).

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Feed everyone a non medicated starter grower with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Provide hiding spots for the young ones, and multiple feeding stations is important so the little ones feel more comfortable. It is normal for them to hide. Having plenty of room helps make integration a bit easier too.

 

[ChickenzRCul]

Feed everyone a non medicated starter grower with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Provide hiding spots for the young ones, and multiple feeding stations is important so the little ones feel more comfortable. It is normal for them to hide. Having plenty of room helps make integration a bit easier too.

Thank you for that, that really helps. So my set up for feed is inside the coop there is a single PVC where they get the food (they have no problems taking turns) so i could leave the starter food in that and then could i have separate bowls of layer feed in a different location?

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Feed everyone a non medicated starter grower with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Provide hiding spots for the young ones, and multiple feeding stations is important so the little ones feel more comfortable. It is normal for them to hide. Having plenty of room helps make integration a bit easier too.

Are you sure they need oyster shells at that age? I thought you only give oyster shells when they are near to laying eggs? I would wait til they are 4.5 months to give them oyster shells, but what do I know?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you for that, that really helps. So my set up for feed is inside the coop there is a single PVC where they get the food (they have no problems taking turns) so i could leave the starter food in that and then could i have separate bowls of layer feed in a different location?

I would do all starter food, in multiple locations, so no matter where the younger ones go, there's always appropriate food for them. If some of your 20 week olds are laying, have oyster shell on the side for them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you for that, that really helps. So my set up for feed is inside the coop there is a single PVC where they get the food (they have no problems taking turns) so i could leave the starter food in that and then could i have separate bowls of layer feed in a different location?

You don't need to feed a layer. The oyster shells takes care of the extra calcium needs.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are you sure they need oyster shells at that age? I thought you only give oyster shells when they are near to laying eggs? I would wait til they are 4.5 months to give them oyster shells, but what do I know?

The older ones may or may not need the oyster shells at 20 weeks. It doesn't hurt to put them out so they are available if needed.

 

[ChickenzRCul]

Are you sure they need oyster shells at that age? I thought you only give oyster shells when they are near to laying eggs? I would wait til they are 4.5 months to give them oyster shells, but what do I know?

well they are getting close to laying that is why i am feeding them starter food now