How to feed chickens once chicks move in with the big girls

[chickgarden]

We have 3 chickens - all just one year old. A couple of weeks ago we got 4 new chicks. I'm wondering how people feed the chicks once they live in the same coop as the chickens. I remember the chicks being on starter feed until they reached a certain age (can't remember when?) So I'm trying to figure out how they will all eat the right food so they are getting what they need. There really isn't a way to totally separate them and their food.
Any suggestions would be great!

 

[binza1979]

I haven't figured this out yet either. I know that I start the little ladies on "adult" food before I should. I usually use up all the medicated feed, then switch them to layer crumbles mixed with layer pellets. Once the crumbles are gone, everyone is on pellets. It has worked for me so far and I have added girls each spring for the last 2 years...this will be my 3rd spring.

 

[chickgarden]

Thanks! I'm guessing my chicks will end up on adult food earlier too, sounds like your chickens have done fine with it. Thanks again!

 

[Eggcessive]

Don't give your chicks layer feed--it has too much calcium and can damage kidneys. Flock raiser or unmedicated chick feed is a great way to feed the whole flock. It has a little more protein--20%, and you just put a little pan of oyster shell or crushed eggshells out for the grown ones--they will eat what they need.

 

[my sunwolf]

Mine usually get switched at 3 months because I don't have a good system in place! That being said, sometimes if the feed prices are the same I just feed everyone unmedicated baby food, then throw out scratch to tamper down the high protein.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Not a mystery.

Layer formula is actually never required. It is simply Grower-Raiser, essentially, with a double dose of added calcium, which only laying hens require. Many folks never buy Layer formula for this reason.

That Layer is "adult" feed is a misnomer. All birds can eat Starter-Grower-All Flock-Raiser etc.

Offer a calcium source of shells on the side and only the laying birds will even mess with it, as a rule.

 

[my sunwolf]

Not a mystery.

Layer formula is actually never required. It is simply Grower-Raiser, essentially, with a double dose of added calcium, which only laying hens require. Many folks never buy Layer formula for this reason.

That Layer is "adult" feed is a misnomer. All birds can eat Starter-Grower-All Flock-Raiser etc.

Offer a calcium source of shells on the side and only the laying birds will even mess with it, as a rule.

This is excellent advice! Of course, I do have some not-too-smart cockerels who gorge on oyster shells on a daily basis