Can an older chicken eat grower food

[cjpines]

I have two 1 years old chickens and 4 9-12 week old pullets. I took away the layer feed and are feeding everyone grower feed. I know the young ones can't have layer feed, so they are all on grower.

Is it okay for the older ones to eat grower feed until the young ones are old enough to have layer? Just wondering if it will affect the quality of the eggs.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's what most people do with mixed flocks. It's important to also provide oyster shell in a separate container so the layers can get sufficient calcium.
The only other difference is that grower is a bit lower in some vitamins and minerals than layer feed so an occasional supplement can be helpful.

 

[cjpines]

That's what most people do with mixed flocks. It's important to also provide oyster shell in a separate container so the layers can get sufficient calcium.
The only other difference is that grower is a bit lower in some vitamins and minerals than layer feed so an occasional supplement can be helpful.

Great, I'll add oyster shells.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Grower is 1% calcium - sufficient for non-laying birds.
Layer is 4% calcium - about right for birds building shells but too high for non layers.