food problem

i am very new to this, and i'm hoping i can trust the tractor supply guy, but he told me to feed my 10 week olds and my almost laying girls grower feed, and offer oyster shell on the side. i just couldn't see feeding them seperately, because we have such a small area we're working with

 

By little ones and big ones I assume you mean older birds and chicks...not Jersey Giants and Silkies. If you mix older birds with chicks the least of your problem is what to feed them...The older ones will snack on the little ones. Severe pecking can become an issue and death to younger ones is not uncommon. Different age birds should not be integrated until they are about the same size, then the younger ones can safely defend themselves. There will always be fighting and pecking to re establish a pecking order, you just need to be sure one little hen isn't taking the brunt of it...As far as feed goes, Starter up to 10-12 weeks, 12-20 Grower, 20 weeks plus Layer with free choice Oyster shell. Grit should be given anytime you feed outside the starter like treats, worms, etc. If they free range they'll find their own grit but I still offer it here because finding it in the winter can be tough after the snows come. Good luck and enjoy!

 

The above advice is true if you do not have a mama hen. Which is why I love broody hens. If you do have a mama hen, the whole nightmare of introduction is gone.

Mama hens will keep a chick from being killed. They may get a thump of two, but quickly learn to stay out of reach and on the far side of mother.

So in that case, feed everyone starter feed and have the oyster shell free choice, so yes the feed store man is right.

MrsK