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Feed question: laying hens and chicks together

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by bawkbawkbawk, Jul 3, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jul 3, 2011 #1
    bawkbawkbawk

    bawkbawkbawk Chillin' With My Peeps

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    My three-week old chicks have been on the floor of the coop with Mama hen, where I have chick starter for them. My other hen has the roost and counter-top area where I keep layer crumble for her.

    I am seeing indications that the little ones are spending time up above now - huge amount of layer feed gone. Should I replace it all with chick starter so the little ones get the right food?

    Also, since neither Mama hen or my recently-ill EE are laying at the moment, I removed the oyster shell from the run. Is it dangerous for chicks?
     
  3. Jul 3, 2011 #2
    faykokoWV

    faykokoWV Mrs Fancy Plants

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    how old are the chicks? you can switch them all to a starter/grower or a flock raiser type feed. you can still put the oyster shell in there and offer it free choice, the chicks probably wont eat it
     
  5. Jul 3, 2011 #3
    bawkbawkbawk

    bawkbawkbawk Chillin' With My Peeps

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    So it's okay for the grown hens to eat the "baby" food? Little ones are 3 weeks old. Thanks for helping.
     
  7. Jul 3, 2011 #4
    jen5680

    jen5680 Southside Silkie Shack

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    I have had all of my birds on chick starter for years now and never any problems. I think it's good bc the protien is higher in it.
    Maybe i'm wrong but that's what I do [​IMG]
     
  9. Jul 3, 2011 #5
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

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    I use flockraiser for everybody. The chicks don't bother the seperate feeder of oyster shell. In fact, that's one indicator I have of when a pullet is getting to point-of-lay; I see her starting to visit the oyster shell dispenser.

    Chick starter is fine too. Reason I don't use it - Only chick starter available around here is medicated. I am one of those rare individuals that is allergic to many, many meds. and I don't want to take a chance on eating an egg from a hen that's eating the medicated feed. Even if it's only miniscule amounts of the coccidistat that gets in the egg.
     
  11. Jul 3, 2011 #6
    bawkbawkbawk

    bawkbawkbawk Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I learn so much on BYC! [​IMG] Thank you!
     

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