How to separate food pellets

[1ChickyMomma]

I have two different age groups in my flock...some 11 weeks, some 1 year ... They are all in same run.. How do i keep big girls from eatting grower and babes from eatting layer??

 

[junebuggena]

Just feed them all a flock raiser or grower feed and supplement the layers with crushed oyster shell for calcium. That way everybody gets what they need.

 

[1ChickyMomma]

And the big girls will continue to lay normally? That would save so much head ache lol i knew i was over thinking the feeding process somehow

 

[1ChickyMomma]

Just feed them all a flock raiser or grower feed and supplement the layers with crushed oyster shell for calcium. That way everybody gets what they need.

Howlong is an open bag of feed good for?

 

[junebuggena]

An open bag will only stay fresh for maybe a week. If you have it in a bin stored in a cool, dry place it would keep for at least a month or two. It's a pain to let feed go to waste, but it's better for the health of the whole flock. Many people find that feeding a flock raiser, grower, or all fock type feed helps keep their girls lay better. The higher protein helps them get through molts faster. There are fewer problems with egg eating and feather picking; and they lay better in hot weather because even if they eat less feed, they are still getting enough protein to make eggs.

 

[torilovessmiles]

An open bag will only stay fresh for maybe a week. If you have it in a bin stored in a cool, dry place it would keep for at least a month or two. It's a pain to let feed go to waste, but it's better for the health of the whole flock. Many people find that feeding a flock raiser, grower, or all fock type feed helps keep their girls lay better. The higher protein helps them get through molts faster. There are fewer problems with egg eating and feather picking; and they lay better in hot weather because even if they eat less feed, they are still getting enough protein to make eggs.

x2 I use to feed layer but with a mixed flock I find this is easier. My girls get free choice oyster shell.
Also, additional calcium doesn't necessarily make them lay better, it just keeps them from using the calcium from their bones to make the eggshells, which would eventually lead to osteoporosis. I agree with junebuggena that the protein makes them lay better by reducing molt times among other things

 

[centrarchid]

I am currently mixing a grower and layer pellets with oats. Chicks pick thru and eat a little of everything but mostly the grower. Hens consume larger particle items first then go after smaller particles so they get a mix as well. All in good health.

 

[cicknmama]

I need some help. I changed my feed to an all flock because i have mixed ages. I am supplementing oyster shell but I'm now having a problem with soft shelled eggs in two of my hens. My younger flock will be 18 weeks at the end of this month. I like feeding the all flock because my hens lay better in the heat with the higher protein. But, I dont like to stress my hens by hand feeding calcium tabs or tums. Any ideas how I can increase the protein in the layer when I switch back? This would fix both problems.

 

[junebuggena]

Do you have the oyster shell out and available all day long?

 

[MysteriaSdrassa]

switching temporarily to a grower ration for your layers is not going to adversly affect their egg laying,,, as stated,, just add oyster shells free choice,, the hens will eat the amount they want,, they are quite addept at knowing what their body needs

and yes,, you leave it out all day long