Grower vs Starter vs Layer for a mixed flock

[jhoff]

HI,
I have 6 chicks now in with our 5 old ladies. The chicks hatched on 7/20 so they are almost 5 weeks old. I've been feeding them medicated starter feed. We've successfully integrated them into our coop with the old ladies (who are no longer laying ). They still have access to the starter in a separate area (small door - only they can get thru) but they also have access to what the old ladies are eating - layer pellets. And of course they can forage - we throw most of our kitchen scraps and weeds we pull from our garden into the coop.

Do I need to get grower or can I just finish the starter?

Do I need to somehow block access for the littles from the layer by feeding everyone starter for example?

 

[IamRainey]

I use All-Flock for my roo and all the ladies of whatever age. I make sure my layers have oyster shell and their own cleaned egg shells.

 

[RRM]

A lot of starter feeds are also classified as a starter/grower so there is no need to switch, check the label on your feed to confirm. If it is a starter only, you’ll probably need to get the little’s switched over to grower on your next bag.
My opinion is that the little’s shouldn’t have access to layer feed due to the higher calcium content. You can feed the same sto your layers, but give them a free choice feeder of oyster shells to supplement their calcium needs.

 

[Chicalina]

why do the old ladies need to eat layers if they don't lay any more?

put them all on growers I would say. I'm doing that with my mixed aged flock right now.

 

[jhoff]

So what bad does the higher calcium content do to the littles? I do like the idea of just switching them all to grower for the next bag. Until I get some, do I need to keep them from eating the layer that the old ladies are eating or will a little not hurt?

 

[chrissynemetz]

Too much calcium can cause kidney damage.

 

[RRM]

So what bad does the higher calcium content do to the littles? I do like the idea of just switching them all to grower for the next bag. Until I get some, do I need to keep them from eating the layer that the old ladies are eating or will a little not hurt?

Excess calcium can supposedly cause kidney damage in chicks, and supposedly can also reduce lifespan. Most all chicken feeds have some calcium in it. Layer feed typically has a higher calcium content than an all-flock feed or a grower feed as layers need additional calcium for egg shells they are making.
If you feed an all-flock or grower feed to laying hens give them a free choice calcium supplement, such as oyster shells, the hens will only eat what they need, they instinctively know when they need some.

 

[jhoff]

Excess calcium can supposedly cause kidney damage in chicks, and supposedly can also reduce lifespan. Most all chicken feeds have some calcium in it. Layer feed typically has a higher calcium content than an all-flock feed or a grower feed as layers need additional calcium for egg shells they are making.
If you feed an all-flock or grower feed to laying hens give them a free choice calcium supplement, such as oyster shells, the hens will only eat what they need, they instinctively know when they need some.

So do you mix the oyster shell in with the feed? That's what I've always done.

 

[MarkJr]

I have 2 dishes off to side that are always available. Even my 12 week pullets visit them for a piece or two now and again.

 

[jhoff]

I have 2 dishes off to side that are always available. Even my 12 week pullets visit them for a piece or two now and again.

Alright, thanks.