Correct Feed for Hen with Chicks?

[Anon112]

I've read a few articles and can't seem to find the answer to this one (even though I'm sure it's there and I'm just not seeing it).

I have a broody hen who should be hatching her eggs in another day or two. Currently there is layer feed in her feeder.

Once the chicks are hatched, do I switch over to offering chick feed with oyster shell in a higher up container? Do I offer chick feed in a low container and continue to offer layer feed in a feeder the chicks can't reach? I know that it's not good for chicks to be eating layer feed because of the calcium levels.

What is the correct set-up to feed a hen who has chicks that is healthy for both hen mom and babies?

(The hen is currently in a large dog kennel in my barn, away from the run/coop).

 

[Sally PB]

Once the chicks are hatched, do I switch over to offering chick feed with oyster shell in a higher up container?

This will be fine. You could start giving her the chick starter now. She isn't laying, so she will probably ignore the oyster shell until she needs it again.

 

[FrostRanger]

The chick feed with oyster shells on the side is the way to go, once you start integrating them into the flock everyone can eat either chick starter or all flock/flock raiser with oyster shells on the side for anyone who needs it and I'd keep them on that until at least everyone is laying or permanently if you end up with any roosters you plan to keep

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've seen a broody hen scoop feed out of high up feeder onto the coop floor so the chicks can get to it. I've seen 2-week-old chicks fly up to a high feeder to eat the feed. A broody hen is not laying eggs so she does not need the extra calcium in Layer any more than the chicks do.
I can keep grown hens out of the chicks' feeder. Put it somewhere the chicks can get to that the hens cannot. I cannot keep the chicks out of the hens' feeder. So I feed them all a feed that the chicks can eat and offer oyster shells on the side for the hens that are laying eggs to eat. The ones that need the extra calcium for eggshells typically eat enough. The ones that do not need the extra calcium (chicks, roosters, broody hens, and other non-laying hens) may eat a bit of oyster shell but typically do not eat enough to harm themselves.

 

[Anon112]

Thank you all so much for the replies! I switched her feed out with chick starter/grower feed and will go with that and oyster shell on the side from here on out.

Ya'll are the best!