How to keep layer feed away from younger chicks

[cjpines]

I have 5 age 17 week old pullets. Almost ready for layer feed. I want to buy 2 more 8 -12 week pullets which will not require layer feed. They will all be in the same coop and outdoor run. How do I keep the younger chicks from eating the layer feed since they will all bunk together?

One person mentioned keeping the older birds on starter/grower until the 8-12 weeks are older, then all on layer.

Any ideas?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The way I do it is to never buy Layer feed.

Layer feed is basically the same as Grower feed with one difference, Layer has added calcium for the egg shell. That extra calcium can be harmful to growing chicks so they should not eat Layer but hens laying eggs need the extra calcium for the egg shells. So I offer oyster shell on the side. The ones that need the extra calcium eat the oyster shell and the ones that don't need the extra calcium don't eat enough to harm themselves.

 

[cjpines]

The way I do it is to never buy Layer feed.

Layer feed is basically the same as Grower feed with one difference, Layer has added calcium for the egg shell. That extra calcium can be harmful to growing chicks so they should not eat Layer but hens laying eggs need the extra calcium for the egg shells. So I offer oyster shell on the side. The ones that need the extra calcium eat the oyster shell and the ones that don't need the extra calcium don't eat enough to harm themselves.

Thank you, I was wondering about the egg shell and your tip on extra oyster shell I will consider too.