Feeding different aged chickens together?

[borzoimom]

I have 5 hens about 1 yr old and laying well. I have 4 chicks to add to the flock. They are about 5-6 weeks old. I was hoping to add them in with the hens this week. I keep reading chicks should not be fed layer feed until older, but can my hens eat chick feed? How do I keep all chickens together and feed two different formulas? Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Mehjr10]

Feed them all the starter grower and supplement the hens with Oyster Shell. Watch the older ones, they may be rough on the youngster at this age, it is sometimes better to wait until the younger ones are closer in size.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Be very careful adding birds that young with grown hens - the more similar in size the birds are the better so wait as long as you can. If you possible put them next to each other so they can see one anyone but in separate pins so the big girls can't hurt the little one for a few days to a week before a true introduction. That can help cut down the violence a little.

I would remove the layer completely and feed an non-medicated starter or grower to everyone. Get some oyster shell and put it in a separate bowl. The birds will only eat the oyster if they need it so your layers will get that extra calcium they need and the babies will not be getting too much. After everyone has started laying you can switch to a layer food or just stay with this -- your choice.