different ages different food nutrients how do I mix the flock

[SerHendipity]

I have 7 One year old Leghorn and Slikie chickens and I also have 6 ten week old Production Red and Sebright chicks. I introduced them free range outside today and all seems well. I would like to combine them in the coop in the near future but the elders have organic laying feed and the chicks are still on starter. The elders need the calcium and I read somewhere that chicks having calcium is bad for them. How do you suggest I feed them during this awkward stage. Thanks

 

[Judy]

Yes, chicks should never have extra calcium. Actually, cockerels shouldn't, either. Feed everyone the baby chick feed for a few weeks, or til you run out. Then put everyone on a flock raiser. You can also give them grower if flock raiser isn't available. Offer oyster shell in a separate container so the hens who need it will have it available.

You can even eat the eggs of hens who eat medicated chick feed, if the medication is amprolium.

 

[nj2wv]

Welcome to BYC !!

 

[SerHendipity]

Thank you !

 

[mymilliefleur]

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family.

 

[drumstick diva]