Feeding chickens of different ages

[DesertDog]

I have 3, 9 month old chickens and just acquired 3, 3 month-old chickens. The older birds are on layer pellets and I wanted to feed the younger ones the grow feed. They free-range and are all in the same coop. Will it hurt for them to eat each other's food? The older birds just love the grow feed.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

as long as you provide Oyster Shell free choice, it should be fine. just dont feed the younger ones the layer food....

 

[DesertDog]

Would it be harmful for the baby birds to eat the layer pellets. They do it all the time.

 

[Opa]

The feed with the highest protein level is what you should feed until the younger birds reach at least 20 weeks. Be sure to provide oyster shell in a separate dish to allow the older hens to increase their calcium levels.

 

[Tala]

Purina Flock Raiser fits just exactly that scenario. It comes in a green bag and it's about $13/50# at my TSC. I also have 3 age groups in my yard. I started the babies off on Flock Raiser and they have been growing SO well, and the adults seem to prefer it over their layer pellets, so that's what I feed everybody when they free range together out in the yard.

They can all eat the Flock Raiser, it's 20% protein, and only the layers will eat the oyster shell if they need it.

Feeding layer pellets to growing birds is bad for them.

 

[Bookworm chick]

Quote:
I also feed the Purina Flock Raiser, plus the free choice oyster shell. I had a broody hen raise 7 chicks. We'd put her in a "coop within a coop" and feed the starter. Then at 3 weeks or so, we introduced her and her brood back into the flock which was eating the Flock Raiser. The four pullets that I kept from this hatch have grown into nice, well-feathered young ladies. Two are now laying.
I'd also read that the layer feed is harmful to a chicks kidneys.

 

[Bookworm chick]

Quote:
I also feed the Purina Flock Raiser, plus the free choice oyster shell. I had a broody hen raise 7 chicks. We'd put her in a "coop within a coop" and feed the starter. Then at 3 weeks or so, we introduced her and her brood back into the flock which was eating the Flock Raiser. The four pullets that I kept from this hatch have grown into nice, well-feathered young ladies. Two are now laying.
I'd also read that the layer feed is harmful to a chicks kidneys.