Feeding Question

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you all so much! I re-read your post @oldhenlikesdogs - I see what you are saying now. Remove the Layer feed until the little ones grow up! I can do that! I will have to get some Oyster shells for Tootie. We have only one hen that is laying. She gives us one egg almost every day We have two pullets that are about 8 weeks and three babies that hatched Monday, 27 Nov. I just finished making two of the 5 gal bucket feeders with 3" street elbows (found the info here!). I was planning to put Layer in one and Grower in the other, but I will just put out the Grower and look for Oyster Shells.

How long will the Layer Crumble keep? Funds are beyond tight and really don't want to waste it. Thank you all!!

You could put the layer in a feeder that is higher, or hanging so the chicks can't reach them.

 

[Enchanted1s]

You could put the layer in a feeder that is higher, or hanging so the chicks can't reach them.

I thought about that, but my one laying hen is not any taller than the Pullets. I'm not sure what they are. I posted pics here and they are either Old English Game Fowl or EE's. They seem like they will be taller than Tootie. I am guessing that Tootie is Australop (sp.) mix of some sort. And Rudy? He looks like the pics I have seen of Old Eng. Game Fowl Rooster to me - but really I am just guessing on all of them except the babies we just bought.

Rudy & Tootie


The Pullets


Cream Legbar's


Buffy - Buff Orpington

 

[Folly's place]

Very cute chicks!
I have a flock of young, old layers, cock birds, and sometimes very young chicks. It's much easier, and works very well, to feed everyone an all-flock feed, with oyster shell on the side for the laying hens. There are no issues with feeders higher, or whatever.
Buying one feed also keeps it all fresher, which is very important. Always check the mill date on each bag of feed, and only buy what you can feed within about six weeks of the mill date. Some vitamins are lost over time, not good.
Simplify what you can, and have fun!
Mary

 

[Enchanted1s]

I just went to the only local feed store that is close - they only had Layer or Medicated Starter. I was really hoping that would be my feed store . TSC is about 45 minutes away. I decided for now, one feeder will have the starter/grower and the other the layer food. Hopefully they will eat it and I will find a good all flock feed before it is gone (should be a while). I did pick up some Oyster Shells for them too.

These baby chicks are just too cute! I'm guessing they aren't going to want to go outside come spring!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I still wouldn't put the layer feed where your younger birds could access it.
I have a feed store just a few minutes from me that only carries starter and layer. The starter is always old (as is much of their other stuff).
TSC and the Farm&Home are about 30 to 40 minutes away in the next state.