How old to mix with flock?-Food question

[kywest]

I have two 9 month old hens and three new chicks - 5 weeks old. I've been taking them out to meet the old girls this week, so everyone can get used to each other and with the hope of mixing them asap. But I just realized that once they are are no longer separated, they have free access to the layer food. Any suggestions on how to handle this? The "old" girls were on starter feed for about 20 weeks (till the bag ran out). Do I just feed everyone starter feed until the new kids are old enough for layer? I don't relish keeping them in the dog crate for another 10-15 weeks! Thanks!

 

[Koolduck]

Ive rigged up a fence(kinda like a garden bed fence)and chicken wire lid so to speak that lets the month olds squeeze in and keeps the piggy girls out...doesnt work all the time but.....the babies dont like the laying pellets so for the most part Im in good shape.

 

[Mervin]

Quote:
HIJACK ALERT...

Sorry to hijack your thread, but I have a similar question or a follow on. After eight weeks or so, could you ween the chicks to flock raiser/grower and feed everybody that (including the roos) while providing shells (for calcium) for the layers? Or is it not a problem to feed the roos layer feed with the extra calcium?

 

[Kittymomma]

When I have mixed ages I just switch them all to gamebird feed and make sure there is always oyster shell out free choice so the layers can meet thier calcium needs. I also make sure to have corid on hand in case there is a cocci outbreak with the youngsters. I haven't had any problems with cocci yet, but I know it can kill quickly but usually responds well to prompt treatment so I feel better having the meds on hand.

 

[triggfamily5]

Quote:
I hope not, my poor rooster has been eating layer feed for over 4 years...

I do think I am going to switch everyone over to flock raiser though this year when the chicks go out. I already offer oyster shells on the side. I think it will be easier between the adult chickens, the teenagers and the geese to all eat the same food.

Another hijack - will the chicks avoid the oyster shells that are out for the laying hens?

 

[HEChicken]

Quote:
Pretty much. I started offering shell to mine when they were about 15 weeks but they didn't start eating it until they were ready to lay. Then, for awhile, they were on Flock Raiser and ate quite a bit of the shell. Since I switched to layer food, they don't eat nearly as much of the shell, but they still do occasionally munch into it.