Flock integration (2 parts within)

[sondaddyfarm]

I have two different questions but they both kinda relate to the samething so I figured I'd post them together. First to start we have raised chicks in a couple different batches for our starter laying flock. It's the first time either of us have done layers (I've had Broilers in the past). The oldest batch is around 4 moths old and the youngest is around 6 weeks old since they out grew the brooder and only have one coop. They are now in the same coop together and seem to be mingling well with no real fights breaking out.
Currently they are all on I belive its either 16 or 22% grower crumbles mixed 2:1 with scratch and have free access to a sand/grit spot.

My first question is being 4 months old I'm assuming they should start laying soon and figured for that to work well we need to get layer food going and possibly oystershells? I've read though that layer food is bad for young birds because of the high calcium levels. What would a recommend feed choice be? I'm debating mixing layer and grower together to raise protein and lower calcium and possibly still have scratch (honestly it's in there as a filler).


Secondly I haven't really saw the littlest ones drink that much water. The fact the coop has a different type of water then the brooder combined with the Kansas heat I'm worried they might be getting dehydrated. However They have been in there for almost two weeks now and seem to be doing well. I'm assuming at this point if they weren't drinking they wouldn't be alive as bad as that sounds. Im assuming that because I've read chickens don't handle dehydration well. Should I still be concerned or would you agree that they have figured it out?

Sorry for such a long post but thank you for your help!

 

[Aapomp831]

There is a second stage feed specifically for growing/finishing that you should feed them up until first lay. It literally says grower/finisher right on the bag.
Your chicks probably are drinking, just not when you’re right there. You’re right - they are sensitive to dehydration and you would have noticed a problem. If they’re pooping regularly and not lethargic than they are probably properly hydrated. If you’re concerned add some electrolytes to the water. But it sounds like they are doing just fine.

 

[aart]

Currently they are all on I belive its either 16 or 22% grower crumbles mixed 2:1 with scratch

Not a good idea to mix scratch with feed.
Know exactly what protein percentages all 3 of those feeds are,
should be listed in the tag sewn into the bottom of the bag.

My Feeding Notes:
I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer daily. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.
Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container. I also regularly offer digestive granite grit in the appropriate size, throw it out on the ground with the scratch. http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, a bit of canned mackerel, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[Cryss]

2-1 feed-scratch means that 33% of the food you give is scratch. My understanding, and I could be wrong, is that they should have no more than 10% scratch in their daily diet. Think of it like kids and candy. You wouldn't feed kids 2 meals of wholesome food and the third meal is a plate of candy. I just toss a handful or 2 of scratch on the ground in the run and let them find it by doing what the name implies, scratching.
I agree with aart. Because of mixed genders and ages I feed the grower type feed and supplement with a side dish of oyster shell and egg shells (crushed beyond recognition), and another side dish of granite grit plus a few handfuls of granite tossed into the run.
Btw, Welcome to BYC!! Glad you joined us. You're in the right place for good advice. I've been in the chicken raising hobby since November and I've learned so much here.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I appreciate you giving us enough information to work with. That's much better than a cryptic question where we need to go back and forth asking for more information (often never answered) so we can give a realistic response. And congratulations on what looks like a successful integration.

To me the simplest way to feed a mixed age flock is to feed them all a low-calcium feed and offer a calcium supplement on the side. I use oyster shell. That way the ones that need it for egg shells seem to know to eat enough calcium and while the others may eat a few bites, they don't eat enough to harm themselves. I practically always have immature birds in my flock, I never buy Layer. Other than percent protein and percent calcium there isn't what I consider a significant difference in the other required ingredients.

Some people have very strong opinions on what the right percent of protein to feed. I don't, I get acceptable results with varying percents. At those ages I'd be OK with 16%, 22%, or somewhere in between. I really don't care. But don't feed that much scratch. Regular chicken feed has certain essential nutrients in a certain ratio to provide for their needs. Scratch does not have those essential nutrients. You can look at the analysis on the bag label to see what I'm talking about. A balanced diet is more than just protein. A general rule of thumb is that if you keep their treats to 10% of their diet you will not upset that balanced diet. Treats means scratch plus other stuff you may give them.

 

[Mrs. K]

If your chickens are active, bright eyed, eating, you can safely assume they are fine. Not enough water and they would be dead in hours in high heat.