Feeding a mixed "flock of ages"

[NoSleepTillBrooklyn]

I now have 6 chickens, and finally it's an all girls club! But, to complete my flock, I took some chickens of the hands of a lady who getting rid of some younger pullets. I have two 6month olds (an BA and Maran) one 5 month old (BA), one ~1 yr. old (Ameraucana), and the younger ones are two 4 month olds (a BA and Delaware). I have two now that are laying, and one will be anyday now, and three that won't be for another few months. I still have chick starter in there, what should I move onto? By the time this bag is done, can I switch to layer feed? The younger ones be 5 months old at that time.

I'm confused. Anything will help, thanks!

 

[Nicole01]

You can use flock raiser or unmedicated chick starter. It's best to give the older ones oyster shell on the side. Flock raiser I heard is better then unmedicated starter. I can only find unmedicated starter in the 50# bags, so that is what I use. I have to seperate the older 3 to give them oyster shell. Otherwise, the young ones will steal it and eat it up. They are quick. I hammer my oyster shell and press it into bread a couple times a week. Once they are all laying, I'll put it on the side in a dish.

 

[vnploveschickens]

I use flock raiser. I put oyster shell in a separate dish. The layers eat it up. Its funny how they just know they need it!

The roosters and chicks look at the oyster shell, may peck at it, but leave it alone for the most part.

I also put the medicated chick starter in a separate dish for the chicks..the bag is finally almost gone. Everyone seems to peck at that stuff.