Feeding a mixed flock

[aforeman]

We are new to chickens, I have 6 BA's That are about 7 weeks old and 6 ISA Browns about 5 weeks old. They are getting ready to move to the coop this week. We are also getting a couple adult hens when the coop is finished.
What's the best way to feed a mixed flock? The chicks are on a starter/grower feed and I know the hens should be on a layer feed, but I'm not sure how to feed two different ages.
Advice is appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It's about the calcium when your talking mixed flock.

I feed depending on age all the birds same thing. If I'm still dealing with chicks then everyone gets starter/grower crumbles (non medicated). If my wee ones are old enough to take pellets as it is less waste to feed pellets I feed all birds an all flock or turkey finisher blend.

Where the calcium comes into play is for the hens that are laying. All you need to do is hand scatter a few times a week or have a dedicated bowl for free choice eating of oyster shells. Don't buy the small overpriced bags on the shelf, ask at register for bulk shell and buy it by the pound. 5 LBS will go a long way.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I forgot to say that the birds know what they need. Laying hens will eat the oyster shells and other birds may peck and eat some but not to the extent of what the layers need and will eat.

 

[aforeman]

Thank you, I like to buy large amounts of things, it's always cheaper. I will definitely look into the bulk oyster shells. My next question, I have a 50lb bag of nutrena chick starter/grower that is medicated. Should the adults hens not have the medicated feed?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It will be fine for them to eat that small amount. Medicated is just not needed in my cold area, it's for warmer zones that may have cocci in the soil and for chicks to give them a head start so to speak. I'm not a cocci expert by any means as I said I'm in a cold zone where it's not prevalent. But in general any odd food for a short period will be fine.

 

[aforeman]

Thank you! I feel much better about adding adult birds now. We are in Southern Ohio and the weather here can be crazy! I think we are temps this week anywhere from 32-75!