Chick starter with laying hens.

[somissemilyy]

My laying hens love my chicks starter feed. Is this a problem?

Also, my chicks have access to layer feed pellets, but they cant eat it all the way, is it okay?

 

[Carolyn]

As I understand it if your chicken starter is not medicated there is no problem with the hens eating it but they will need supplemental calcium such as crushed shells or oyster shell (probably get enough from laying pellets though)
If you chicken starter is medicated and your hens are laying I am not sure but I think the new medication for cocci affects the organisms in the chicken but are not a medication that is absorbed into the chickens system.
Young chickes should not eat layer pellets!!! It can create reproductive problems for them.

How to fix the problem: I am trying to figure that out myself so I hope someone gives us both some good answers. I really don't know how to keep the laying pellets away from the chicks but mine are not bothering them yet.

 

[Naughty]

if the momma is taking on the babies - she isn't laying anyway - so shouldnt the chick starter be okay for a short time until she's ready to leave the nest with them?