Can layer feed hurt 12 week old Orpingtons?

[2OLD2BAChick]

One of my 17 week old Rhode Island Reds started laying this past weekend. We have 5 other birds her age. But... we also have three 12 week old Buff Orpingtons. They are all living happily together. My question is: should I mix layer feed into the Gro-Cal or will one feed hurt the other birds? Thanks!

 

[EncinoMan]

How about feeding everybody grower rations with free-choice oyster shell on the side? Once your entire flock is of laying age, you could switch to layer feed.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Feed them anything but layer, at this point. You can always provide the calcium on the side, in shell form.

 

[2OLD2BAChick]

Thank you so much! I will get the oyster shell. It sounds less risky than feeding them all the mixed food. We've been so blessed and are enjoying our girls immensely; I would not risk harming them. Thanks for your help!

 

[Miss717]

I was told by employee at local farm store (he also raised poultry in the past) that the main difference between grower and layer is the amount of protein.

 

[duckinnut]

Quote:
Protein is not the problem but the level of calcium.

 

[quinkerton]

What will it do to them? I have always fed mine layer at 12 weeks. They are all mixed in with the older gals at that point and will get to it anyway? I have never had a problem with any of my hens.

 

[turbodog]

Quote:
X2 on this.

 

[Miss717]

Can someone tell me why too much calcium too young is a problem. I'm new at this and I mix layer, hen scratch and oyster shell together and feed it to all of my chickens.

 

[kinsey228]

I was told that too much calcium for younger chickens can cause kidney damage.