Feeding a flock of mixed ages

[dlaciv12]

Half of my flock was hatched in April the other half hatched in July. The April girls are laying but the July girls are obviously behind. Can I start the whole flock on layer feed yet?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[SarniaTricia]

I had a mixed age flock and I fed my girls layer from 6 weeks on....
They have started laying and seem just fine.

 

[TinyChickenLady]

From my understanding, you can start them on layer from the age of about 5 months, possibly younger, so I don't see why you can't.

 

[Half pintfarms~]

Mix chick starter and layer pellets together and every one eats what they want=)

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

I'd just give them layer, it won't do them any harm at that age.

 

[aoxa]

I would give them grower crumble with oyster shell on the side for the layers until they all start laying. The extra calcium can really damage young birds.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
If they were hatched in July then they aren't really "young" anymore. They would be pushing 5 months old already.

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
If they were hatched in July then they aren't really "young" anymore. They would be pushing 5 months old already.

Or if they were late July they would be nearing 4 months.

I feed my whole flock grower. Even though a couple of them are over a year old. They just get the extra calcium elsewhere. No soft shells yet. If you have layer, I don't see the harm if they are 5 months old. My flock ranges from 3 months - 1 1/2 years. They are all together and living peacefully

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
If they were hatched in July then they aren't really "young" anymore. They would be pushing 5 months old already.

Or if they were late July they would be nearing 4 months.

I feed my whole flock grower. Even though a couple of them are over a year old. They just get the extra calcium elsewhere. No soft shells yet. If you have layer, I don't see the harm if they are 5 months old. My flock ranges from 3 months - 1 1/2 years. They are all together and living peacefully

If your offering oyster shells to your older layers, chances are the younger birds are eating some aswell.