Grouping young pullets with laying hens

[Gail Laubenthal]

I recently joined my 3-4 month old pullets with my older laying hens. I have been using TSC feed and was wondering how I meet the needs of both groups. It was easy feeding them when in their own coop but now that they are together, will it harm the pullets if they are getting laying feed or will it harm the layers if they get grower/finisher feed? I thought about mixing the feeds in my barrel and then now worrying about it, know they would get some of both. I would love to hear what other do. These are free ranging chickens, but their TSC feed is inside the coop.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Hi!Welcome to BYC!

It will not harm the Pullets at all if they are eating layer feed.I feed my Pullets layer feed even before they go into the coop!

Best of luck,
–CC1215

 

[snow5164]

I'd highly recommend feeding them all layer feed, the calcium levels and grit included is so easy for them . I've had hens that won't go eat the oyster shells as people say they will.

Lack of calcium can cause the layers to use their bodies calcium storage and die.

My breeder puts her pullets on layer as soon as they are feathered out , she has only bought starter and layer for 40 years.

Read the calcium levels on your food and decide

 

[Gail Laubenthal]

Great information. Again, this BYC community is so knowledgeable and supportive. I keep asking myself why it took me so long to become a member.