Feed question: laying hens and chicks together

[bawkbawkbawk]

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?

 

[faykokoWV]

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

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

So it's okay for the grown hens to eat the "baby" food? Little ones are 3 weeks old. Thanks for helping.

 

[jen5680]

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

 

[gritsar]

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.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

I learn so much on BYC!

Thank you!