Feeding question - multiple ages

[Molly_MacD]

I have a mixed flock currently 2 pullets at 15 weeks, a Roo at 10 weeks and a (probable) roo at 9 weeks. I've just introduced a bantam pullet who is... somewhere around 6mths-1 year. I'm currently feeding everyone grower mix and free range for about an hour a day, but I'm sure the older gal is not getting optimal feed - she's been with us for 2.5 weeks and has not resumed laying. What should I do to make sure she is getting enough but the younger ones don't get too much?

I have a couple of 4 week old chicks still in the house that will be added in a couple of weeks and the older roo will be sent away.

 

[WIchickMama]

You could move them to an All Flock feed and offer oyster shells for the older one. She might take a bit more time to resume laying due to stress of the move as well.

 

[Yardmom]

You can still feed the grower. It is similar to some all flock feeds. You still need the shells on the side. I believe some feed that regularly to their laying hens.

 

[Brooks_]

You could move them to an All Flock feed and offer oyster shells for the older one. She might take a bit more time to resume laying due to stress of the move as well.

X2

 

[WIchickMama]

I'm not sure I can find oyster shells here... supply issue, but what if I baked/ground egg shells would that work?

That will work. I mix some in with my oyster shells--I put them in the microwave until they aren't "wet" and then grind them, but some people don't bake them.

I can't get oyster shells here either, I did order from Scratch and Peck, not ideal but we also don't eat enough eggs to have eggshells steadily in the container for 6 layers and 2 more on the way

 

[WIchickMama]

They might be curious and eat some, but it shouldn't hurt them. I have been told that they will only eat it if their body needs it. I have 2 that aren't laying and I haven't seen them touch the egg/oyster shells

 

[Molly_MacD]

I'm not sure I can find oyster shells here... supply issue, but what if I baked/ground egg shells would that work?

 

[Molly_MacD]

You can still feed the grower. It is similar to some all flock feeds. You still need the shells on the side. I believe some feed that regularly to their laying hens.

Ok - that's great, So I can just use what I have until all are ready for layer feed (about 18 weeks right?) With shells or oyster grit on the side.

 

[Brooks_]

Ok - that's great, So I can just use what I have until all are ready for layer feed (about 18 weeks right?) With shells or oyster grit on the side.

If you keep calcium on the side, you never "have to" switch to layer feed.

 

[NatJ]

Ok - that's great, So I can just use what I have until all are ready for layer feed (about 18 weeks right?) With shells or oyster grit on the side.

Layer feed is optional.

You can feed grower plus oyster shell/eggshells for their entire life if you want.

Or you can switch them to layer feed when they are actually laying.

The only special thing about layer feed is the amount of calcium: about right for laying hens, but too much for chickens that are not laying. So it's especially bad for chicks (young and not laying), and not good for roosters or molting hens or broody hens either (being adults, they do not show problems as quickly as chicks do, but they still do not need the extra calcium if they are not laying eggs.)