Different Ages

[saltytaco728]

I have 7 chickens that are 16 weeks old, 6 that are 13 weeks old and 2 that are about 8 weeks old. They are together all day and eat their starter / grower out of the same feeders. When the oldest chickens are 18 weeks old, how do I switch them to their layer feed?

 

[Poultry parent]

you can mix the layer feed with the starter and gradually increase the amount of layer feed until it's all layer feed

 

[Cindy in PA]

If they are all together, keep them on starter/grower until the youngest are ready to lay. Just put out a dish of oyster shells for the older ones.

 

[kkgreenwood]

I was going to post something similar. It is safe to put out a tray of oyster shells for the older ones if there are younger ones mixed in? I know too much calcium is bad for the kidneys of the younger chickens - but as long as the feed doesn't have the extra calcium and it's put out separately, all will be safe and happy?

Thanks

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Just offer oyster shell on the side instead of layer feed. I feed all my chickens flock raiser right from hatch, and I have a separate container of oyster shell for those who need or want it. I also toss them eggshells.

 

[kkgreenwood]

Thanks everyone for the advice. We put out the oyster shells and in 3 days shes is back to her egg-laying ways. She even laid this MONSTER egg after not laying for a couple days!

 

[saltytaco728]

I put out oyster shells and my roosters and younger chickens are eating them too. Is that a problem?