integrating chicks and feed differences

[lunatic]

Hi,

I have 3 older hens (about 4 or 5 years old) and am starting to integrate my 7 week old baby chicks by putting them in the run during the day (and putting them back in the brooder, without the heat lamp, in the house at night). In another week or so i'd like to put them out in the coop permanently.

My question is - how do you handle the different feed types? My older hens eat layer pellets. The babies are ready to move onto grower feed. I can put a 2nd feeder out for the babies, but it would be difficult to control who eats what if they are all mingling. Do I just put everyone on grower feed for now until the babies are ready to start layer pellets? And how old is that anyway?

Thanks

 

[red horse ranch]

Hi,

I have 3 older hens (about 4 or 5 years old) and am starting to integrate my 7 week old baby chicks by putting them in the run during the day (and putting them back in the brooder, without the heat lamp, in the house at night). In another week or so i'd like to put them out in the coop permanently.

My question is - how do you handle the different feed types? My older hens eat layer pellets. The babies are ready to move onto grower feed. I can put a 2nd feeder out for the babies, but it would be difficult to control who eats what if they are all mingling. Do I just put everyone on grower feed for now until the babies are ready to start layer pellets? And how old is that anyway?

Thanks

The grower feed will work fine for the older hens as long as they have access to oyster shell.