How do I make sure the new chicks don't eats layer feed??

[Chicksandme]

I currently have 8 broody hens sitting on eggs, why they all chose to go broody all at once is driving me crazy!! I don't have many eggs to eat, LOL!! Anyways, my main issue is chicks eating layer feed, i don't know what to do unless I change all the feed to all flock feed. I really don't want to do that if I don't have to, i just stocked up on 2 bags of 50lb layers feed.

I have 2 broody hen that hatched a chick each and one is 2 weeks old and mama is taking the chick out to the run and free ranging them as well so, the chick is eating the layers feed, bugs and vegetation. The other broody hen just hatched a chick 2 days ago and I got her in a large dog create for now so, they are okay for now. But how do i make sure the chicks don't eat the layer feed and if they do is it harmful to them?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I currently have 8 broody hens sitting on eggs, why they all chose to go broody all at once is driving me crazy!! I don't have many eggs to eat, LOL!! Anyways, my main issue is chicks eating layer feed, i don't know what to do unless I change all the feed to all flock feed. I really don't want to do that if I don't have to, i just stocked up on 2 bags of 50lb layers feed.

I have 2 broody hen that hatched a chick each and one is 2 weeks old and mama is taking the chick out to the run and free ranging them as well so, the chick is eating the layers feed, bugs and vegetation. The other broody hen just hatched a chick 2 days ago and I got her in a large dog create for now so, they are okay for now. But how do i make sure the chicks don't eat the layer feed and if they do is it harmful to them?

Given that the simplest solution is not really an option you wish to use, your next best option would be to consider using a feeder raised up beyond the reach of the chicks or using a no waste type feeder were the hens are large enough to reach in but the chicks are not. Neither of these will work for the duration of the time that you wish to avoid the younger birds eating layer feet, but they may last long enough to go through the 50 pounds of layer feed you currently have at which point you could switch everyone to an appropriate feed

 

[Leigti]

For a long-term plan you may want to consider feeding flock raiser or grower feed all the time with oyster shell on the side for the hens that need it. Then you won’t have to worry about this ever again The above suggestion is a good one to get rid of the layer feed you have right now.

 

[Ste]

You don't want the chicks eating the layer feed as there is to much calcium in it. If you feed layer feed then you have to make it inaccessible to the chicks until they all start laying. I have a partial bag set aside that I will use up once mine start laying. If it's not good when that time comes then I will toss it.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Easiest way is not to offer it. Non medicated chick starter or grower crumbles and a side dish of oyster shells.

 

[lazy gardener]

Is it an option for you to return that layer feed, and exchange it for non-medicated starter? When I have broody setting on eggs, or plan to hatch chicks, I time my feed purchase so that it runs out, and the whole flock goes onto unmedicated starter until the chicks reach puberty.

 

[beccaWA]

Easiest way is not to offer it. Non medicated chick starter or grower crumbles and a side dish of oyster shells.

That's exactly what I do.

 

[Chicksandme]

For a long-term plan you may want to consider feeding flock raiser or grower feed all the time with oyster shell on the side for the hens that need it. Then you won’t have to worry about this ever again The above suggestion is a good one to get rid of the layer feed you have right now.

What a great idea, that would solve my issue forever! I will go buy some all flock or grower feed and when the chicks get older I can mix the layer feed that i have unopened into the feeder. Thank you for the advise, i would have never come up with that one. I'm so glad i have this resource on BYC!