Feeding Integrated Chicks/Chickens Question

[N F C]

Hi,

First a bit of info before the question...we have 3 layers that are about 8 months old and 13 chicks that are now about 9 weeks old. If we integrate the younger girls in with the older ones, is there a concern about them eating each other's food (meaning the younger ones eating the layer feed and the older ones eating the grower feed)?

Currently, the coop and run are separated by fencing to protect the little girls from getting picked on by the bigger ones. They can all see each other but not bother each other. However, now that the youngsters are growing so fast (they are almost the size of 2 of our older girls), I've been thinking it's about time to mix them together.

The feed store said to keep the 9 week old chicks on grower until they begin to lay. Is that what most of you do...keep them separated until they are all on the same feed?

If it makes any difference, the younger ones are Red Sex Link, Barred Rocks, Black Austrolorps and Speckled Sussex. The older girls are RIR's and an EE.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

You should feed them all the chick feed until the chicks reach 18 weeks. Layer feed can damage their kidneys. Chick feed will not harm the adults.

 

[N F C]

Thanks Mountain Peeps. So just to clarify...you're saying we need to keep the birds separated until they can all eat the same feed? Thanks!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Or just feed them all the chick feed until the chicks are 18 weeks.

 

[RonP]

I have a mixed aged flock.

I freechoice:

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

 

[ChickensRDinos]

You can feed the ENTIRE group an non-medicated chick/starter or even a grower feed or a flock raiser feed. I would go with a higher protein since you have young birds. In a completely separate dish put oyster shell for your layers. This way they get the added calcium found in a layer without the little birds eating it. If the calcium is separate the birds will all only eat the amount they need. Once all of your birds are laying you can switch to a layer or just keep with a grower (etc.) plus oyster. I actually feed this way always.

 

[N F C]

Thank you everyone, you all have been very helpful!