Feeding mixed ages in same coop

[joebryant]

Three weeks ago I bought a one-year-old silkie that was broodie and put her in the coop with my chicks that are now seven weeks old. I tried feeding her laying granules and them starter granules, but they kept eating hers and vice versa. I finally gave up and removed her food, making everyone eating starter only.
She has been laying an egg a day now for three days, and I know she needs calcium plus layer granules. Also, Anne has some egg shells that she want to give to Victoria, the silkie. My chicks are as big as Victoria, but they're not ready for that stuff.
Anne's thinking of putting her in a dog cage outside the coop for a few hours each day to feed her separately, but will that cause her to stop laying? BTW, I haven't built the run yet.
Whaddya do in a case like this?

 

[Chickaroo!]

Oh I hope someone is able to answer your question soon, as I too will be in the same situation by the weekend!

 

[Carole AM]

I feed mine seperate as long as I can....... layer & chick starter. When they mingle all together (like NOW!), I switch over to Purina Flock Raiser. Its good for growing chicks, feeding adults, turkeys, ducks, etc----EVERYTHING. It costs a little more, but there's NO waste, and I'm satisfied they are all eating the same thing.

I get mine at FD Miller's in Shipshewana, and I use the coupon out of Poultry Press. I hope this helps.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
Carole, thanks, I'll look for some of that today. That sounds like what I need.

 

[Carole AM]

Where are you from, Joe?

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
I live about fifteen miles south of Indianapolis on Stones Crossing Road. We have a Greenwood "address", but we're about six miles from there. Do you know where Center Grove H.S. is? We're just down the road from there.

 

[Carole AM]

No, but I've been to Greenwood. Google "Purina", and you should be able to find a dealer. Good luck!

 

[joebryant]

I like your site. We have bluebirds about five feet away from us right outside our kitchen floor-to-ceiling window.