Feeding different Ages

[Mutt Farm]

Question from a newby I have 15 egg chickens. Oldest are 5 mos, youngest 7 weeks. do I hold off feeding lay mash or let the youngsters eat it?

 

[torilovessmiles]

All flock or unmedicated chick starter/grower to the whole flock with free-choice oyster shell for the laying ladies. A chicken that is not laying does not need extra calcium, and can damage kidneys, especially in chicks. They won't eat the oyster shell if they don't need it
Good luck with your babies!

 

[Mutt Farm]

Thank you! No eggs yet, my oldest are Buffs. Waiting...BTY, my Dad swears one is a rooster! Could I tell at this age?

 

[junebuggena]

At 5 months old, most roosters are pretty obvious.

 

[torilovessmiles]

Thank you! No eggs yet, my oldest are Buffs. Waiting...BTY, my Dad swears one is a rooster! Could I tell at this age?

Yes you could tell, but you're not 100% sure, post a picture and we could certainly tell you at that age

 

[Mutt Farm]

I don't know...looks the same, but bigger, more mature, braver, talkative. 4.5 mos old.

 

[junebuggena]

Looks like a pullet.

 

[torilovessmiles]

Feathers look rounded, comb and wattles are normal about-to-lay pullet sized. Nothing to suggest roosteri-ness.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Thank you both! She's one brave talkative bossy gal then! We built a nesting box, better get it in there then. I never wanted a roo, but if it turned out she was, Id have the sweetest one! I'm oddly disappointed.