hens and chicks

[lissalischicks]

I have 5 hens that are over a year old. I also have three 12 weeks old chicks. As of right now, their sleeping quarters are separated and during the day they are allowed to free range together for a few hours a day. I don't let the little ones out all the time only because they are still small and we have hawks around. If it wasn't for the hawks they would be allowed to do as they please. The older hens do not really bother them unless it's treat time but nothing vicious, just the typical get out of my way as then do among each other. I would love to start putting them together but the problem is the feed. Can i just feed the hens the grower feed until the chicks get older??

Please let me know if I posted in the wrong place ....

As always thank you guys for your time and responses!

 

[Molpet]

yep.. I feed grower (w/oyster shells free choice) for all until the pullets are laying... or if the hens are molting, they need the extra protein and not the calcium...

 

[lissalischicks]

Perfect! Thanks for your reply. Honestly for some reason the hens REAAALLLLY like the chick feed anyway so I don't think I will have a problem with the switch.

 

[aart]

Honestly for some reason the hens REAAALLLLY like the chick feed anyway so I don't think I will have a problem with the switch.

They like the extra protein!

I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.
Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[chickens really]

Yes....Feed grower till the Chicks mature and lay eggs....
Nice that your Birds integrated so well...Congrats....