Feeding chicks of different ages.

[TexasHeifer]

I have several hens that are about 8 weeks old and currently on grower/finisher feed. I have 3 chicks that are about 4 weeks and are on starter/grower feed. I like the Dumor feed and am planning to stay using that brand. I've moved my chicks into the coop with my older hens because their getting along no problem. I've tried keeping the feed separate but the hens keep finding and eating all the chick feed and leaving their own. I know there's only about a 1% difference in the amount of calcium between both feeds so my question is, could I keep them all one of the feeds or is there a better way to keep the feeds separate? Thank you for any advice!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Check out my link. Feed them all the grower/starter chick feed.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-at-different-ages

 

[soydo]

Go ahead and feed everybody the same feed- you pick which one. The feed plans are guidelines, not so strict that you will see catastrophes if they are deviated at all.

Don't listen to anybody who says they will suffer this or that if you don't follow feed plans exactly. There are so many that strongly deviate from the usual recommendations and they don't note problems.

 

[Percheron chick]

The difference in Ca between the grower and layer is 3%. I would just pull the layer for now and put everyone on the grower. Feed back your egg shells or provide oyster shells on the side for the hens.

 

[Chris09]

Feed everyone the Starter/Grower.

 

[TexasHeifer]

Thank y'all!!

 

[RonP]

I have a mixed aged flock.

I freechoice 28% protein all flock, oyster shell, and whatever they find interesting in their run (treats).