Is Layer feed harmful to 10 week old chicks?

[ChrystalGail]

If my new 10 week roo is kept with the 4 hens that are 1 year old and on layer rations, will it hurt him to eat it?

 

[bigzio]

The only problem is the additional calcium provided in the feed for hard egg shells that the hens need. While he may be ok with it, if he can free range and eat bugs and grass he will be healither in the long run, rather than subject to just the hen's feed. Too much calcium for birds that don't need it can cause health problems. Oyster shell given free choice in addition to the regular feed for the hens works well, cause even though it is added to the feed it's not enough for most hens once they have been laying awhile. Hope that helps...

bigzio

 

[eggzettera]

Also its never a good idea to radically change their diet - you are supposed to mix the new stuff in slowly so its like 75% their regular feed and 25% of the new feed for about a week then 50/50 then 25/75 you get the idea......