Can I keep my mixed flock on chick feed?

[Coop de Grille]

I have read that chicks should go on layer feed once they start laying and not before. Is this correct?

I have six hens that are 16 weeks old, not laying yet. I am in the process of integrating 21 seven week old pullets. I am assuming my 16 week olds will start laying in the next month. In that time I will have a few more chicks that will be 7-8 weeks old and starting to integrate in with the big chicks. Is is ok to keep ALL of them on chick feed, even though my big chicks will be 20+ weeks and possibly laying?

Is leaving a bowl of crushed egg shells sufficient enough to supplement my (hopefully) laying pullets? Separate feeders with layer and chick feed isn't going to work with my coop set up. I'd have to separate my flock and I really want to keep them all integrated.

 

[galanie]

Yes, the crushed shells should do the job though most of us use the crushed oyster shells you get at the feed store. They'll all be fine on the starter so long as layers have the option to get the calcium.

 

[gracejr]

Glad to see this! I was wondering the same thing about the flock I'll be getting. Half will be arriving at 5mo old, but the others will only be 9 weeks or so, and like you I don't want to split the coop and run in half. Good to hear they can stay together!

 

[Eggcessive]

Flock Raiser by Purina is good for all ages and sexes. You can get a 50 lb. bag of oyster shell for $10 at the feed store for extra calcium. I feed my chickens crushed eggshells sprinkled on the ground with scratch once a day for a treat, and I think the little ones and roosters may like to eat that a little too much if it were in a free feeding bowl. The chick feeder is good too unless it is medicated, since it is good for chicks, but not for the older chickens or egg layers.

 

[Coop de Grille]

Thank you!