integrating chicks with molting chickens/food

[rehsanipoor]

We have integrated out chicks (14 weeks old) into the main flock. They are all eating Purina chick starter/grower until the younger ones are ready for layer feed. Soon after putting them all together I had 3-4 of the older chickens begin molting. Is there enough protein in the food they are getting? The Starter is 18% Protein. Is it too early to give a non-starter feed to my younger chicks?
Thanks for your help.

 

[sourland]

18% protein should be fine for the molting birds.

 

[aart]

We have integrated out chicks (14 weeks old) into the main flock. They are all eating Purina chick starter/grower until the younger ones are ready for layer feed. Soon after putting them all together I had 3-4 of the older chickens begin molting. Is there enough protein in the food they are getting? The Starter is 18% Protein. Is it too early to give a non-starter feed to my younger chicks?
Thanks for your help.

It'll be good for the molting birds, they don't need the calcium in layer feed.
I've fed 20% all flock to all my birds for 10 years.
Oyster Shell in a separate container for the active layers.

 

[rehsanipoor]

okay good to know. I do offer oyster shell in a separate container as well. Thanks!