Feeding babies and Mama

[JoanieMay0223]

My babies are now 4 weeks old. I know I have to keep them on the chick starter for another 2 weeks or so. Mama hen is in a pen with the babies, and is eating the same chick starter the babies eat. I am concerned that maybe this is not the best for her, or will it be fine until the babies go on to growth feed? I know the babies cannot have the layer crumbles the rest of the flock have. Mama Mayzie shows the chicks what to eat, so I do not think I can put two kinds of feed in with them, the babies will get mama's food. When the chicks go to growth feed, Mayzie will still be with them and will be eating that also. Mayzie is a bantam, not sure what breed, she was a freebie from Murry McMurry, she is a wonderful mom and a friendly hen. Dad is a Silkie, all 6 babies look just like him, five towed feathery feet. Just adorable little tykes. I also have a question about putting electrolytes with vitimans in all the flock's water all the time. My flock has done great on this, but I read recently in Backyard Poultry that it is not good to use this all the time. Any thoughts on this? All of the flock are bantams, 12 hens, 2 roosters, and 6 chicks, all are pets. Thanks for your help.
JoanieMay

 

[dretd]

I would keep the hen on what the chicks are eating, but I think its fine to switch to a grower now (have you checked the difference in ingredients/protein etc between the two--it may just be a difference in crumbles vs mash with the same nutritional content).

I would not give them layer until they are near POL. You could put out oyster shell for the mom if you are really worried about the lack of calcium in the starter/grower. The thing is the broody will stop laying when she is brooding so there is not the demand for extra calcium that is in the layer feed anyway.

I bet they are super-cute! If you post a picture of mom I bet someone could help you with the breed.

 

[JoanieMay0223]

Thanks so much for your help. I do appreciate it. I just want to keep everybody healthy and happy! Right now every one of the chicks are happy and healthy, and Mayzie is also. In turn this makes ME happy! I will post a picture of Mayzie and her chicks as soon as I figure out how. My granddaughter said she would come over and help me, now I just have to sit tight till she gets to it!! Thanks again, JoanieMay