Feeding layers and chicks together

[AlbionWood]

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Yes, that's it exactly.

Thanks for the advice, I wasn't sure if the oyster shell was a potential problem or not, but suspected it would be OK. Now I have a plan.

 

[AlbionWood]

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I like that idea! We set up two feeders, one with formulated feed and one with whole grains (usually wheat). They love the wheat berries but the protein level is lower than regular feed - gamebird ration would push it back up.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

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I like that idea! We set up two feeders, one with formulated feed and one with whole grains (usually wheat). They love the wheat berries but the protein level is lower than regular feed - gamebird ration would push it back up.

I just wanted to mention, since your first post says "oyster shell grit" that oyster shell isn't adequate for grit when it comes to whole grains.

If you are free ranging then there is no problem, since they should be able to find grit on their own.

I feed a LOT of whole grains...
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/faqgrt.htm
http://cherrystonegrit.com/grit_sizes.html (this is what my feed store sells- #3 for large fowl)

Alternatively, if you have access to the correct size gravel, you can pick your own.

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

But that isn't the problem. The issue is keeping the chicks away from the layer feed, because the extra Calcium in layer pellets is toxic to chicks.

I thought the bigger issue as maintaining availbility of chick feed and keeping the others out of it esp if medicated feed is beeing given to the chicks.

The chicks will be happy to have their own feed set up where they don't need to fight for space with adults. If the chicks get a little layer feed it absolutly will not hurt them. I have had some chicks that came into the flock at odd times that did not get a full course of chick starter before they went to layer ration, apparently no ill effects and of hundreds of of thousands of roosters out there few ever seem to suffer while surviving on the girls layer ration.

Chick feed still has close to %1 calcium (some as high as 1.5%) rather than 3-4% in layer ration. Granted 1% is likely the better level for pre lay birds but there is no need to think of layer ration as toxic.​

 

[Ridgerunner]

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I thought the bigger issue as maintaining availbility of chick feed and keeping the others out of it esp if medicated feed is beeing given to the chicks.

The chicks will be happy to have their own feed set up where they don't need to fight for space with adults. If the chicks get a little layer feed it absolutly will not hurt them. I have had some chicks that came into the flock at odd times that did not get a full course of chick starter before they went to layer ration, apparently no ill effects and of hundreds of of thousands of roosters out there few ever seem to suffer while surviving on the girls layer ration.

Chick feed still has close to %1 calcium (some as high as 1.5%) rather than 3-4% in layer ration. Granted 1% is likely the better level for pre lay birds but there is no need to think of layer ration as toxic.

I guess it depends on your definition of toxic. The reason I think of Layer as not good for growing chicks is that it can cause bone deformation or kidney problems which can later kill them. Not that it does each and every time, but it can.

If you consider that they have to fall over dead the instand they eat it for it to be toxic, then it is not toxic. They are not going to fall over dead the instant they eat a bite of Layer or a bit of oyster shell. A little bit od excess calcium won't hurt them. They do need some calcium for some growth. That's why it's in Starter and Grower. The damage from excess calcium is more long term. The more they eat and the longer they eat it, the more likely you are to cause long term damage. Some will never have or show that damage. Some will fall over dead for no apparent reason at some time in the future, maybe a year or two later. Their damaged kidneys finally gave out.

Grown chickens can handle excess calcium better then growing chicks. Just because grown roosters or non-laying adult hens can handle the excess calcium, do not assume that growing chicks can handle it as easily. There is a difference. The recommendations are for growing chicks, not grown chickens.

I'm not going to say that a growing chick eating some Layer will cause damage 100% of each and every time. It will not. But I will say that a growing chick eating excess calcium over time, such as that found in Layer, can suffer damage and that feeding them Layer is not a wise thing to do.

 

[gryeyes]

This is exactly why I don't provide layer feed at all. Chicks get starter, the rest of the flock gets All Flock, with crushed oyster shell separate, free choice.

 

[AlbionWood]

OK, I'm keeping the chicks and their moms penned separately until the main flock eats up all the layer ration. After that I will put out gamebird feed and flock raiser, plus the whole grains, and let everyone have what they want. With oyster shell on the side for the hens. No worries with medication or calcium. The chicks are being raised by hens so they don't need the medicated feed anyway.

Thanks everyone for the help sorting this out!