how do you feed laying hens and pullets under 18 weeks in the same coop?

[SophiaLinn]

Feed them all flock raiser or all flock with oyster shell on the side. feeding the Pullets layer feed too early could hurt them, you can switch back to layer feed once they're all laying

and the pullets won’t eat the oyster shell?

 

[nuthatched]

and the pullets won’t eat the oyster shell?

Usually not, they now instinctively what to eat when they need it.

 

[IamRainey]

Totally agree that all-flock and supplemental calcium is the way to go. And it's the easiest solution. Especially since supplemental calcium probably should be offered in any case.

In the last 6 months or so all-flock has been harder to source in my area. Apparently the distributor insists that the feed stores buy and store such large quantities that none of them can afford to purchase it anymore and give that space to the layer feed that's in higher demand and moves out quicker. Happily, Tractor Supply still stocks all-flock and will ship it directly to me for a modest shipping fee that doesn't exceed my cost to pick it up 20-30 miles from home.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Totally agree that all-flock and supplemental calcium is the way to go. And it's the easiest solution. Especially since supplemental calcium probably should be offered in any case.

In the last 6 months or so all-flock has been harder to source in my area. Apparently the distributor insists that the feed stores buy and store such large quantities that none of them can afford to purchase it anymore and give that space to the layer feed that's in higher demand and moves out quicker. Happily, Tractor Supply still stocks all-flock and will ship it directly to me for a modest shipping fee that doesn't exceed my cost to pick it up 20-30 miles from home.

Do you have a southern states near you? I’ve been loving their selections of all flock feed compared to what TSC has to offer.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I prefer chick starter with oyster shell on the side... the starter I buy has 2 % more protein than the layer, and it's so much easier when feeding different aged birds and roosters. I prefer keeping everyone on chick starter their whole lives.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Affects are not always immediate. It can cause long term kidney damage, gout, cardio anomalies, tumors, and a plethora of other issues down the road. It doesn't always cause damage, but can.

x2.

If longevity of birds is not a concern (you eat them after 18 mths) then you'll probably never see the long term effect of too much calcium.

In addition most layer is also too low in protein for optimal chick development, and may be too large for them to easily eat.

Hens usually love starter feed as it is easy to eat and higher in protein. Same with all flock. Since I do prefer using layer pellets I use all flock crumble while the chicks are little, until they are old enough to begin laying.

I always have oyster shell on the side for the hens, and while the chicks may sample it, they don't seem to want to eat it until they're starting to lay too.