Combing 9 wk old chics w/ Layer

[newchickmomma83]

Question....I have a coop and run for my chickens. I had 2 separate coops 1 for my laying chickens and 1 for my 9 week old chickens. One of my older chickens was extremely stressed and getting picked on all the time and not laying. So I just per her in with my younger ones to see if that helps her.

But I didn't think about food. My 9 week chics are still on chick food, but I need later food for my older hen. What do y'all do??? Is it ok to switch them all to later food this early?

 

[nuthatched]

Feed everyone chick food or all flock feed, make sure the older ladies have access to oyster shells.

 

[newchickmomma83]

Is oyster shells ok for the babies too? I want to do what's best for everyone. I unfortunately didn't think about the feed. I'm just trying to give Dolly (that's the older hen) a better place where she's not being bullied all the time!

Should I await to combine them?

 

[saysfaa]

She can eat unmedicated chick feed as her feed as long as you provide a separate dish of calcium too (usually the calcium source is oyster shells or egg shells). She will eat the amount she needs. The chicks may sample it but won't eat enough to harm themselves.

Many of us do this for our layers, whether or not there are chicks around.

 

[newchickmomma83]

She can eat unmedicated chick feed as her feed as long as you provide a separate dish of calcium too (usually the calcium source is oyster shells or egg shells). She will eat the amount she needs. The chicks may sample it but won't eat enough to harm themselves.

Many of us do this for our layers, whether or not there are chicks around.

Thank you so much!! I will go pick up some oyster shells tomorrow then!! I know she'll be happier in this coop in the long run!! And hopefully she'll start laying for us!