Can I feed both grower food as well as layer food at the same time?

[bow-chicka-bow-bow]

I have 5 Black sex linked that are 20 weeks and 3 Americaunas that are 18 weeks. They all live harmoniously together in their Coup de Ville.

One of my Black sex linked started laying eggs a couple weeks ago. I had just purchased another bag of the grower/finisher crumbles since no one had started laying eggs yet and I could only get it in a 50 lb bag. So, since one of the ladies had started to lay, I got the layer pellets. I have been combining both the grower/finisher with the layer pellets since some of the girls were younger and only 1 was laying. Today, after I collected my one egg this morning, my husband went out a little while ago and found a second egg, so I think someone else has started to lay.

Long story even longer, I was wondering if I should continue to mix the grower with the layer food, or just give only the layer? I still have over half a bag left of the grower and hate to waste it, but if I shouldn't give it to them, I won't. I don't want it to hurt any egg laying abilities or anything. What are your thoughts? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[swampcat]

From what I've read, you can give them grower, just make sure they have a source of extra calcium available (like oyster or egg shell). So since the later has extra calcium in it, I would think it would be fine to continue to mix it. Maybe just put out some crushed eggshells for them to snack on.

Granted, none of my girls are laying, so what do I know?

 

[gavinandallison]

At that age they should be on Layer feed, just mix them both together, it will not hurt. I also add a source of oyster shell for them to eat at will.....

 

[Judy]

I feed only grower, or flock raiser, to my mixed age flock. Oyster shell on the side. Works fine. No need to waste feed, I agree.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Don't waste the feed. Offer re-cycled egg shells mixed into the feed in small bits. All will be well.

 

[bow-chicka-bow-bow]

Thanks! I feel better now. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get rid of the other feed. That stuff cost too much to throw away. Also, I have been giving them some oyster shell in a bowl every now and then that they can have if they want it, so they have been getting that too for a couple weeks now.