Feeding combined flock of pullets and layers

[Obiwan Henobi]

I am bringing a group of pullets (3 months old) together with our existing layers into the same coop. I don't want to provide the layer feed with added calcium to the pullets who don't yet need it. But I don't want to deprive the layers the calcium they need for egg production. Am I okay in feeding both groups chick feed but also providing separate calcium supplement (crushed oyster shell) for the layers until the pullets begin laying, then transitioning both groups to layer feed?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I am bringing a group of pullets (3 months old) together with our existing layers into the same coop. I don't want to provide the layer feed with added calcium to the pullets who don't yet need it. But I don't want to deprive the layers the calcium they need for egg production. Am I okay in feeding both groups chick feed but also providing separate calcium supplement (crushed oyster shell) for the layers until the pullets begin laying, then transitioning both groups to layer feed?

You can feed them all chick feed, growth formula or all-flock formula, now and forever, actually. None of those have too much calcium and are high in protein (about 20%, read labels), and supplying oyster shell on the side is perfect. Laying hens will help themselves to as much as they need, non-layers will ignore it. This includes young pullets, old hens, molting birds and males. It's a good way to manage a mixed flock.