Four Chickens, Two Feeding Req's, One Coop

[dsbailey70]

In my coop/run outside I've got my two 'new' Partridge Silkies (approx 1yo & 2yo), who are eating Purina's Layena crumbles. Inside in a spare room, I have two 1 month chicks (1 EE and 1 BR) in a 100 gallon plastic stock tank. They're eating Purina Start & Grow.

The chicks will go outside after the Silkies have been here for 2 weeks (quarantine for safety), on about August 28th. The coop & run has 2 sections that can be separated by closing a small door. That'll give them 2 weeks to get used to each other safely.

At the point I put them all together, on or about the 12th of September, I don't know what to do about their feed. The Silkies need their layer food, and the chicks will need the Start & Grow for about another 10 weeks. I know that the chicks should not start eating layer food before they're at least 18 weeks old. How can I manage this upcoming problem?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

People with mixed flocks feed a grower or all flock type of feed that's about 1 to 2% calcium and provide oyster shell on the side in a separate container. If you have active layers, make sure the calcium source is available all the time so they can pick it up when they feel the need.

 

[dsbailey70]

Thank you. The Start & Grow is 18% protein; not less than .75% calcium, and not more than 1.25%. I'm using the medicated version for my chicks right now.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Transitioning over time isn't a bad idea while they get used to picking at the oyster shell.

I can assure you, Start n grow is 18% protein and 1% calcium.

 

[dsbailey70]

Thanks...lol. I was revising that post when I read your last one. Can layers have the medicated feed, and can the eggs be eaten while they're on it?

 

[dsbailey70]

I've read that extra calcium too soon can harm chicks and/or they're laying. Is this true; should I be worried or avoid letting them have the mixed feed? I don't have any other option for housing them right now.