Feeding Hens with Pullets

[Lil_chickens]

I have 7 eight week old chicks and 2 eighteen week old hens. What would I feed them? The hens are too old for starter and the chicks are too young for layer feed.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Are the 18 week olds laying eggs yet? If not, the starter/grower feed is perfectly fine for everyone.

 

[arizona_chicken_noob]

My understanding is that chick starter + oyster shells is a perfectly acceptable diet for a grown chicken of any age. The protein and cost are slightly higher than layer pellets. I am not aware of any other differences but I would love to be corrected if warranted

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Grower and starter feeds don't contain as much calcium but they are higher in protein. They can all eat grower/starter. Provide oyster shell on the side for the laying hens.

 

[Battlepants]

I would do chick starter with a side of oyster shells. Then when your batch of starter runs out, switch to flockraiser with a side of oyster shells. Then when your new ones finally start laying, switch back to layer feed and you will no longer need the oyster shells.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have 7 eight week old chicks and 2 eighteen week old hens. What would I feed them? The hens are too old for starter and the chicks are too young for layer feed.

Welcome to BYC!

I copied a post I made from another thread to save some time typing..

Correct, it's too low in protein too high in calcium. Both will stunt growth while the latter *can* cause gout, kidney failure, and death IF fed LONG term to birds genetically predisposed somehow and also not in lay. Sampling the layer in small amounts won't cause harm.

I use Purina flock raiser with oyster shell on the side free choice full time to accommodate different age flock. I never change and my older birds molt less hard since having more nutrients on board.

"Starter" or "all flock" or "grower" with at least 18%-22% protein would also be a fine choice for everyone AS long as there is oyster shell on the side. You already noted the hens love the stuff!

The chicks may sample the oyster shell but they won't overload on it with every bite.

Some folks try just putting the layer feed higher, out of reach from the chicks. Other folks don't know or care about the information I just gave you and choose to feed layer anyways and may never face issues.

The higher nutrients that get fed don't change the overall fat/protein ratio of eggs.. but it does effect the micro nutrient levels so technically more nutritious eggs for the family despite a slightly higher cost than "layer".

 

[Chickengirl209]

Grower and starter feeds don't contain as much calcium but they are higher in protein. They can all eat grower/starter. Provide oyster shell on the side for the laying hens.

So, this probably isn't the newest post, but I have a question. Would I also be able to use medicated chick starter grower?

 

[Brooks_]

So, this probably isn't the newest post, but I have a question. Would I also be able to use medicated chick starter grower?

Yes.