Feding a mixed flock of layers and non-layers

[OlivesMama]

I got 3 separate batches of chicks this spring and now have 3 layers, and 5 that aren't ready to lay for a month or 2. They all are in the same coop and yard and eat out of one feeder. How do I get the layers what they need without affecting the non-layers? Everything I've read says not to feed the non-layers a layer pellet because the extra calcium can be harmful while they are still growing.

I got rid of the medicated crumbles a long time ago and they are all on a grower and supplemented with crushed egg shells in a dish. The eggs I'm getting have a nice shell and are perfect despite the girls being new layers. Am I over-thinking this?

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Oh I'm so worried about this and my girls aren't even laying yet lol I have 6, all the same age (currently 16wks), 2 have had bigger sized red combs and wattles for around 2 weeks now and just today I noticed that 3 more have grown red combs and wattles. My BR, Ethel, still has no wattles and a pale barely there comb, she is such a slow poke

I still have a lot of chick starter and I don't want to waste it. I just planned on mixing it all together with the layer feed, surely that wouldn't be a problem

But I don't know what to do if one (or more) starts laying while some don't

 

[OlivesMama]

I have a Barred Rock named Ethel! I had 3 of them- Lucy, Ethel, and Henrietta, but Lucy turned out to be a rooster and I have someone keeping him for me for now. I knew mine were close to laying when their combs and wattles got much redder and they started to squat when I stood over them. They do this when a rooster mounts them. If you notice this behavior, then they are very close to laying!

I just looked into the feed I get from a local source and it's an all-purpose poultry feed. I should be able to add a calcium source or either egg shells or oyster shells and will be fine. Whew. I'm lucky to have a local, affordable, organic feed.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Lol my other BR is named Lucy, she is our sweetest bird

So far I haven't seen any squatting but I'm on the look out

 

[OlivesMama]

lol I love it! Good names.