Feeding

[Chicken noobie]

We will be introducing our chicks to our other three hens in a few weeks. The grown hens get layer feed w calcium. What should we feed everyone, once the chicks (under 18 weeks) and hens are all together? I’ve read the extra calcium is bad for the younger birds.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Feed them all the Starter Grower feed with a container of Oyster Shells separately, till point of lay around 18 weeks. Then mix the feeds 50/50 till all are laying. GC

 

[Mtnboomer]

I take the chicks out of the brooder at 8wks. From then on, they get layer pellets with the rest of the flock.
As with any chicken, if fed anything other than starter feed or crumbles, provide grit if they do not have an adequate supply from their environment.

 

[rjswain3315]

The main difference is the protein and calcium levels. The big girls will be fine eating a grower feed. However, the little girls will not be ok having a layer feed. It has too much calcium for them. What I do is feed them all a grower feed and provide a separate container with oyster shells. That way the big girls will still get the calcium they need, without giving the little girls too much. Hope this helps.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I should mention that our chickens are not pets and do not live long enough to develop complications from too high of calcium intake at a young age. At least none that we've seen.
We butcher most before 6mos and no later than 10 months.

I have also used flock raiser pellets when i can get them. Our local TSC stopped carrying them and only stocks the crumbles. The birds seem to dig through it to pick out the choice pieces making a heck of a mess and so I no longer buy crumbles of any kind.