Feeding pullets and layers at the same time

[LocoPollo]

How do you deal with feeding pullets and layers who live in the same space. Once my hens start laying I need to put them on layer mash, but there are still lots of pullets who need grower. How do I make sure everyone gets what they need?

 

[mtnhomechick]

I just integrated 13 wk. old pullets into the main coop. They are now on layer pellets bc the layers were eating the grower crumbles and the little ones weren't getting any food. Don't know if I should have but felt I had no choice.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I asked this question a w hile back and was told to keep all of them on the grower and try to give the hens oyster shell where the others can't get at it. Maybe keep the hens in the house for a while and let the others out in the run? That's what I do. I feed them all Purina grower pellets. Seems to work out fine so far.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

mtnhomechick how are yours doing on layer food? Do they seem any different and how long have you had them on it? Just curious...I would LOVE to put mine on that too but too scared to LOL

 

[mtnhomechick]

Well, they don't like it as much as the crumble. However, I don't know if it's because it's layer or pellet. They eat it though. I still go out there a couple times a day and shoo the others away so the little reds can eat in peace.

It's kind of funny.........I take an empty milk bottle and shag them away from the reds. Then I say C'mon Babies and they all run and eat and drink their food.

The hens like the crumble better too but the pellets are less wasteful. I hope I am doing it right because I am a rookie at this.

I also feed all of them just a little cracked corn for a treat.

Any opinions welcome.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I have been wondering about putting mine on layer too but I will wait just in case..It always helps to know if others have done this and the birds were fine. I do the same thing! I have a stick in there and shoo the big ones away so my three littler ones can eat lol They tend to stay real close to me and my stick. Now after two weeks they are all fine and getting along. Now just normal pecking order pecks going on here and there. I do put the three babies between my giant cochins...they are the only ones who never peck at them

I just love them. Such sweet hearts!

 

[Hen Daddy]

How about if you just mix the grower in with the layer feed? That way, the babies can have their crumbles, and the layers can have their food. I've read that if the non-layers are eating the layer feed, they can get too much calcium and it can prevent them from laying or cause them to have problems with laying.

I would do what Hangin wit my peeps suggested...give them all grower and then provide oyster shells to those who need it. So far with my group, the only ones who eat the oyster shells are they layers. The other girls completely ignore it.

Try both and see what happens. Let us know!

~Caran

 

[mtnhomechick]

I tried that but the layers eat all the crumbles. The little ones are left with layer pellets if they get any at all.