Feed for diverse aged flock?! 6 weeks and 18 week ready for layer feed?!

[Browniethechicken]

How do I manage a flock of six week old chicks and 18 week old hens that are ready to go on layer feed. They will all be in the same coop and Run. How do I manage their diverse diet? I understand that the chicks need the chick starter until 18 weeks but I have a couple of hens that are ready to go on the layer feed. I understand that pullets can’t have layer feed due to high calcium etc. I need advice on how to feed them.
I’m used to just leaving the food out in the run for free eating anytime. I’m am worried because i am just getting a new crew of chicks but once they are 6 weeks I need to fully integrate with my 18 or 19 weeks old pullets. I’m thinking ahead to manage this….
Now I’m worried. Didn’t think of this dilemma.

 

[Tookie]

You can feed both ages the starter feed, just have some calcium on the side for laying pullets.

 

[Browniethechicken]

You can feed both ages the starter feed, just have some calcium on the side for laying pullets.

Hi Tookie! Nice! Okay! What about layer feed having extra protein? Is this a concern? Want to do right by all my ladies. I have 6 weeks to figure this out… Thank you! Chicks come tomorrow!!!!

 

[Tookie]

Hi Tookie! Nice! Okay! What about layer feed having extra protein? Is this a concern? Want to do right by all my ladies. I have 6 weeks to figure this out… Thank you! Chicks come tomorrow!!!!

The layer feed has to much calcium for non-laying hens/pullets. You can feed them all starter/grower, even the laying ones. Also you can feed them starter/grower for the rest on their lives! Just have some calcium in a separate dish, you can use egg shells, the non-laying girls should not have any interest in it until they are laying.
I was going to ask you about the chicks! I bet you can't wait for them!

 

[Browniethechicken]

The layer feed has to much calcium for non-laying hens/pullets. You can feed them all starter/grower, even the laying ones. Also you can feed them starter/grower for the rest on their lives! Just have some calcium in a separate dish, you can use egg shells, the non-laying girls should not have any interest in it until they are laying.
I was going to ask you about the chicks! I bet you can't wait for them!

Great advice! Thank you!!!

 

[Tookie]

Great advice! Thank you!!!

You welcome!

 

[SueT]

I feed all my chickens, of all ages, Purina Flock Raiser, all the time. It has 20% protein. Oyster shell is always available on the side, and those that need it will take it.
I have done this for years. My chickens prefer it to layer feed. This way I have only 1 bag of feed open, and use it up in a reasonable amt of time.
Other brands have similar all flock feeds, you can find something appropriate I’m sure.

 

[Browniethechicken]

I feed all my chickens, of all ages, Purina Flock Raiser, all the time. It has 20% protein. Oyster shell is always available on the side, and those that need it will take it.
I have done this for years. My chickens prefer it to layer feed. This way I have only 1 bag of feed open, and use it up in a reasonable amt of time.
Other brands have similar all flock feeds, you can find something appropriate I’m sure.

Awesome! How do you feed the oyster shell? In what Type of container? And just leave it out for all?

 

[Browniethechicken]

Awesome! How do you feed the oyster shell? In what Type of container? And just leave it out for all?

Also, can baby chicks eat the flock raise feed too? Crumbles?

 

[SueT]

Also, can baby chicks eat the flock raise feed too? Crumbles?

Yes, ALL ages. Yes, it’s crumbles. Often with newly hatched chicks I moisten it, but you don’t have to.
The oyster shell I toss on the ground. Only those that need it will eat it.