Feeding more than one feed

[PeckyBecky]

When feeding more than one feed to a group of chickens, is it better to mix the two in one feeder, or have 2 feeders, each with a different feed? I've read that mixing them together will cause the chickens to "sort" and eat what they want. However, I'm concerned that they would still just eat what they want if I have separate feeders. Will the eat what they NEED?

I'm currently mixing 2 feeds. They do do some sorting, but before I refill the feeder, I make sure they clean up all of the least favorite kind. Is this not the way to go?

 

[Fred's Hens]

If you are feeding two different kinds of feed for an express purpose, then I'd just feed the one kind in the am and other in the pm, and yes, force them to finish the one before feeding them the other. Chickens are crafty and learn if their keepers will cave in and they'll hold out until their keeper gives them what they want. There's more spoiled chickens and chicken controlled owners than Carter's has little pills. LOL.

I don't mix because of the picking and flicking issues created. What two feeds are you mixing?

 

[PeckyBecky]

I currently have some young chicks in with my layers. I've always kept layer pellets before the hens at all times. We let them hatch out a few eggs, and when they did, I put a small feeder of chick starter out for them. The hens prefer the chick starter and won't touch the layer pellets, so I've been mixing it 50/50. It's working out well, so far.

I was thinking of adding some catfood into the equation. The chickens have been picking on one another as they haven't been getting out of their pen as often lately, b/c I don't get home from work until after dark. I've read that increasing protein will stop the picking and also help feathers to grow back in. I didn't know if I should mix that in the feed as well, or provide another feeder for it. They LOVE catfood and I honestly think they'd eat it over pellets if given the choice.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I currently have some young chicks in with my layers. I've always kept layer pellets before the hens at all times. We let them hatch out a few eggs, and when they did, I put a small feeder of chick starter out for them. The hens prefer the chick starter and won't touch the layer pellets, so I've been mixing it 50/50. It's working out well, so far.

I was thinking of adding some catfood into the equation. The chickens have been picking on one another as they haven't been getting out of their pen as often lately, b/c I don't get home from work until after dark. I've read that increasing protein will stop the picking and also help feathers to grow back in. I didn't know if I should mix that in the feed as well, or provide another feeder for it. They LOVE catfood and I honestly think they'd eat it over pellets if given the choice.

When you have a mixed flock, it is normally suggested to feed everyone a feed they all can eat. Raiser, Grower, etc. Not layer. Young birds can suffer some renal damage from the calcium in layer feed, calcium they cannot expel because they are not laying eggs. This renal damage cannot be seen with the eye, so you'll never know how much calcium has been plugged within them.

With a mixed flock, just feed everyone starter or grower or raiser. Offer the laying hens some calcium source, on the side. The younger birds bodies aren't craving it, so they usually just leave it alone.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

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