Integrating- how to separate feed?

[Victoria_S]

Hi!

I am currently trying to integrate 4 six week old chicks with 2 older hens. It is going ok, but my older hens keep eating the chick starter instead of their own feed. Is there any way I can get them to stop? Is it ok for the 6 week olds to eat the layer feed? Thanks!

 

[Perris]

all ages can eat chick feed; better not to let youngsters (and roos) eat layers, as the calcium in it is bad for their systems. How about putting the layer feed at a height the hens can reach and the chicks can't?

 

[keesmom]

Just feed them all unmedicated chick starter or an all flock feed like Flock Raiser for now, with extra oyster shell on the side for the layers.

 

[Victoria_S]

all ages can eat chick feed; better not to let youngsters (and roos) eat layers, as the calcium in it is bad for their systems. How about putting the layer feed at a height the hens can reach and the chicks can't?

The only issue is that my hens seem to like the chick feed better, so I am afraid that they will try to guard it from the chicks, but thanks anyway!

 

[Victoria_S]

Just feed them all unmedicated chick starter or an all flock feed like Flock Raiser for now, with extra oyster shell on the side for the layers.

Ok I will try that when they are fully integrated, thank you so much!

 

[Mrs. K]

Have multiple feed bowls, and then put up a box, or a small piece of cardboard or plywood, and place the bowl so that while eating at one bowl, a bird cannot see who is eating at the other. I generarally have 1 bowl per 3-4 birds. Everyone gets to eat.

 

[Kdlevesque]

Yes my entire flock eats chick starter/grower. I have multiple feeding stations so I don’t have any fighting. I have oyster shell on the side but none of mine are laying right now anyway, even my older ones.