Feeding mixed age and sex flock

[jaybyrdsfarm]

Question regarding feeding and if I have done my research correctly.

I currently have 9 pullets and one little roo that is learning how to crow. They range in age from 10 weeks to 14 weeks.

I am almost to the end of my bag of baby chick feed.

From what I have researched, it will be best to put them on an all flock feed so the rooster doesn't get too much calcium and feed oyster shells free choice?

Thanks in advance just want to make sure my research is correct!

Jaybyrd and her Byrds.

 

[DobieLover]

Question regarding feeding and if I have done my research correctly.

I currently have 9 pullets and one little roo that is learning how to crow. They range in age from 10 weeks to 14 weeks.

I am almost to the end of my bag of baby chick feed.

From what I have researched, it will be best to put them on an all flock feed so the rooster doesn't get too much calcium and feed oyster shells free choice?

Thanks in advance just want to make sure my research is correct!

Jaybyrd and her Byrds.

You did it correctly. You could also leave them on chick starter or use Flock Raiser. Any complete feed offering between 18-20 protein is good. Put the oyster shell out at around 18 weeks.

 

[jaybyrdsfarm]

You did it correctly. You could also leave them on chick starter or use Flock Raiser. Any complete feed offering between 18-20 protein is good. Put the oyster shell out at around 18 weeks.

Thank you! I'm still a chicken newbie and learned and want to do right by girls and rhe one surprise roo... who is growing up and starting to protect his girls. I hope he learns to crow soon because I almost pee myself everytime I hear him "crow"

Jaybyrd

 

[DobieLover]

I hope he learns to crow soon because I almost pee myself everytime I hear him "crow"

Enjoy it while it lasts! They sound hilarious when they first start crowing.

 

[jaybyrdsfarm]

Enjoy it while it lasts! They sound hilarious when they first start crowing.

Right now he sounds like a doggie squeaky toy that is being chewed on!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

You have the right of it. No harm putting out oyster shell "early", and maybe no rush, either - really depends on the breeds of your pullets. Should happen no later than the week you find your first laid egg. For some of the sex links, that could be as early as week 16. For some of the larger, slower growth birds, that could be late month 7/early month 8 - unless the onset of winter and shorter daylight hours cause them to delay start of lay.

Good luck in your chicken journey!

 

[jaybyrdsfarm]

You have the right of it. No harm putting out oyster shell "early", and maybe no rush, either - really depends on the breeds of your pullets. Should happen no later than the week you find your first laid egg. For some of the sex links, that could be as early as week 16. For some of the larger, slower growth birds, that could be late month 7/early month 8 - unless the onset of winter and shorter daylight hours cause them to delay start of lay.

Good luck in your chicken journey!

I have 2 Rocks, 2 Wyandottes, 1 Chantecler, 1 Orphington, 1 New Hampshire, 1 Cochin and 1 Cream Leg bar. My roo is a Cuckoo Marans.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I have 2 Rocks, 2 Wyandottes, 1 Chantecler, 1 Orphington, 1 New Hampshire, 1 Cochin and 1 Cream Leg bar. My roo is a Cuckoo Marans.

I don't have experience with all those breeds, but I do have Wyandottes. Love 'em. Intelligent, energetic, predator aware. and moderately early lay. On that basis alone, @DobieLover 's 18 week recommend is a good one.

 

[Brooks_]

You could also leave them on chick starter or use Flock Raiser. Any complete feed offering between 18-20 protein is good. Put the oyster shell out at around 18 weeks.

That is what I do. I use Flock Raiser and will use starter if the FR is not available. I did wait until first egg for the oyster shell, however, I don't see an issue with offering it around 18 wks.

 

[Folly's place]

Jay, your flock mix is great! Have fun, and these birds will be such a nice group.
Mary