how to feed 2 age groups different feed in same pen?

[Flame80]

Ok, I have my near 14 week old white leghorns going to start eating laying pellets. I have my brooder with my soon to be 6 week old Domoniques in side the run getting "aquainted" with the leghorns. They will start on GROWER feed . If I let them out of the brooder to "play" with the big birds...how do I keep the big birds from eating their feed and visa versa?

 

[RevlisRemmah]

From what I understand, you can get an “All Flock” blend that would be fine for everyone to eat and just have oyster shells in a separate dish for the layers to get extra calcium. But I’d love an expert to weigh in too

 

[The Happster]

From what I understand, you can get an “All Flock” blend that would be fine for everyone to eat and just have oyster shells in a separate dish for the layers to get extra calcium. But I’d love an expert to weigh in too

x2 on that. Growers should work too.

 

[Sonya9]

Most here likely use an all-flock feed. Once people have roosters or older/younger non-laying birds the layer feed just doesn't make sense anymore.

 

[Gallinarium]

All flock is fine. But if you want them to have separate feeds, hang the layer feeder up out of reach of the little ones. It's fine if the older birds eat chick feed, but otherwise put that in a creep feeder. Gotta take advantage of that size difference.

 

[Flame80]

Are ya'll saying I don't need to use laying pellets? I have not opened either of these bags yet and can go exchange if needed to all flock? I'm getting a little confused. Which isn't hard for me these days!!

 

[The Happster]

I don't like layers pellets.
Here's an article I directed someone to earlier.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...lets are high in,arise when fed layer pellets.

It's a lot easier to use All-Flock or growers for your birds, unless you have all laying hens. And even then. Hens aren't going to be laying every single day.

 

[Flame80]

I do have all laying hens. A total of 9 birds.Now is the time before I open these bags to make a decision. I thought I had it figured out. Please let me know what to do!. I can by shale or anything I need. Is laying pellets just supposed to have grit or shale included in it? Is that the big difference other than shape and size? Ok, after reading that article I'm convinced to return the laying pellets!! Should I return the grower and get allflock? Remember I have ALL laying hens.

 

[The Happster]

14 week old white leghorns

6 week old Domoniques in side

No. You have birds that are not laying. Those should not go near layers pellets.
Read the article.
Growers or All-Flock are great. All ages and sexes can eat it. Just supplement Oyster shell.

 

[Flame80]

My feed store sell Lone Star feed. Figures, I am in Texas. It has always been a good quality feed. Sooo? Now just tell me what percent protein you recomend for my situation and medicated or not? I am going to drive the six miles to exchange it TODAY!