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joelwalcott5

joelwalcott5

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Hello all. After 3 years of planning and questioning and thinking we have officially started our backyard chicken journey. 33 Chickens. 17 for meat (Delaware) 16 layers (Australorp, Reds, Silver Laced Wyandotte). First question, should I feed the meat birds a grower feed starting at 6 weeks and the layers a layer feed at 6 weeks or grower until they begin to lay eggs?
 
I'd say feed the grower birds grower feed. The layers don't really need layer feed until a little before they start laying. Good luck
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I don't know anything about meat birds except they try hard to eat themselves to death. Layers should not be on "layer feed" until they start laying - otherwise the added calcium is not good for them. Once they lay - they need it, and even will benefit from a dish of ground oyster shell -on the side, if they need it, they will eat it.

Put "meatbirds" in the search box and it should pop up. Glad you joined the BYC flock.
 
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We have raised meat birds, and always brooded them with the layer chicks, and fed them the same feed. Since Delawares are a duel purpose breed, and not that much different than the other breeds you are raising, it will be fine to keep them together, and feed them all grower feed. As soon as the hens are about 5-6 months old, than you can start them on regular layer feed. Enjoy your flock!
 
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I'm glad you joined our community!

It sounds like you have a nice large, varied flock! Good luck with all of your chickens.

I'd recommend feeding both your young layers and meat birds a starter/grower feed. The meat birds will eat the grower feed until they are butchered, and the layers will mature nicely on it. Once the layers start laying (or reach around 18 weeks old), you can switch over to layer feed, which gives them the calcium they need for strong egg shells.
 
Welcome to our community!
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So glad you could join BYC! Congratulations on beginning your chicken adventures. You've picked out some nice breeds. The Wyandotte is my favorite breed of chicken and I hope you enjoy yours! Delawares and Australorps are beautiful, productive birds too.

I would feed both your layers and your meat birds grower feed until they are around 18 weeks old. Then, you can probably switch the layers to laying feed (since they should be close to laying). You don't want to feed chicks layer feed, since the excessive calcium can damage their bodies.

Welcome to our flock and I hope you enjoy BYC as much as we do! Good luck with your birds.
 

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