Do I need to feed Layer's rations??

[Scratchin' Around]

I have seven 21 week-old pullets (a wyandotte, 2 barred rocks, a black giant and 3 ameracaunas) who share a coop with my 24 10-week-old chicks. I've been feeding them all starter/grower (sunfresh), but some of my big girls just started laying adorable little eggs yesterday, and I'm wondering if they need layer's rations. If so, how do I ensure that everyone is getting the nutrients they need, when they all share the same space and feeders?

Thanks for your help!

 

[bigredfeather]

I would start them on layer pellets or mash. My feed store has a layer mix that is higher in protein than most. It is called super layer. They recommended it for pullets that are laying, but not full grown. As to how to keep the right chickens eating the right food. If you are using hanging feeders, you could hang the feeder for the layers higher than the others. If your chicks are only 10 weeks old, they may not be able to reach the layer feed. I have my hanging feeders at beak level (about 16-18"). They seem to waste less feed when it is higher. I would think the 10 week olds would be much shorter. I guess the layers could still eat the starter/grower, though. I don't know, just an idea.

 

[digitS']

I like the idea of hanging one feed higher than the other.

I would just leave the 24 little ones and the 7 big ones on the same feed. Putting out oyster shells would provide the extra calcium the layers require. You could switch them all over in a couple months.

That's just what I would do

.

Steve

 

[chickenfever]

digitS' :

I like the idea of hanging one feed higher than the other.

I would just leave the 24 little ones and the 7 big ones on the same feed. Putting out oyster shells would provide the extra calcium the layers require. You could switch them all over in a couple months.

That's just what I would do

.

Steve

If you put the oyster shell out for the layers would the chicks also eat the oyster shell? Or are chickens smart enough to eat calcium only when they need it?​

 

[digitS']

From everything I've read, chickens are good at self-regulating calcium intake.

I've had roosters that have shown zero interest in oyster shells.

Steve