Layer feed and my chicks

[HannahKline14]

Ok so here's the question, if I have laying hens and some have chicks and I keep layer feed readily available and I feed the chicks separate but they do have access, like everyone else to the layer feed will they eat it? I don't want to separate the chicks from their mother but I don't want them to get into the layer feed what do I do?

 

[PioneerChicks]

Here is my best solution. Start feeding the whole flock All Flock Feed. It doesn't have extra calcium, so you can feed it to roosters and non-laying hens and pullets. Then use crushed eggshells or oyster shells to give the laying hens extra calcium. Leave the oyster shells or eggshells in a separate container and the hens will eat it when they feel like they need it. Chickens know what they need, so most often the roosters and chicks won't eat food with extra calcium if they can help it.

You could also try feeding the hens and chicks at separate times or places or something similar. Hopefully other members will reply with more ideas.

How old are your chicks? I'm not sure if you know about crumbles and pellets, so please tell me if you want those details.

 

[GC-Raptor]

If the layer feed is pellets, they'll most likely ignore it.
If layer feed is crumbles put hens feeder up so trough is at the height of hens back.

Or do like I do and feed everyone the Chick Starter feed with Oyster Shells in a separate container. . My Hens "22 months old" have never had a Layers feed. A recent collection of eggs. . GC

 

[HannahKline14]

If the layer feed is pellets, they'll most likely ignore it.
If layer feed is crumbles put hens feeder up so trough is at the height of hens back.View attachment 2209080
Or do like I do and feed everyone the Chick Starter feed with Oyster Shells in a separate container.View attachment 2209081. My Hens "22 months old" have never had a Layers feed. A recent collection of eggs.View attachment 2209082. GC

Thank you Ill try that.

 

[HannahKline14]

Here is my best solution. Start feeding the whole flock All Flock Feed. It doesn't have extra calcium, so you can feed it to roosters and non-laying hens and pullets. Then use crushed eggshells or oyster shells to give the laying hens extra calcium. Leave the oyster shells or eggshells in a separate container and the hens will eat it when they feel like they need it. Chickens know what they need, so most often the roosters and chicks won't eat food with extra calcium if they can help it.

You could also try feeding the hens and chicks at separate times or places or something similar. Hopefully other members will reply with more ideas.

How old are your chicks? I'm not sure if you know about crumbles and pellets, so please tell me if you want those details.

Is there a difference between the layer pellets and crumbles? Because I use the crumbles I just thought that would seem more like their chick starter to them.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Is there a difference between the layer pellets and crumbles? Because I use the crumbles I just thought that would seem more like their chick starter to them.

Brand wise, pellets and crumbles are the same formula. Crumbles are crushed Pellets. GC

 

[HannahKline14]

Brand wise, pellets and crumbles are the same formula. Crumbles are crushed Pellets. GC

Thanks, I'm going to put the layer feed higher up but would the chicks not eat the pellets since their bigger? ( sorry about all the questions Im a beginner)

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thanks, I'm going to put the layer feed higher up but would the chicks not eat the pellets since their bigger? ( sorry about all the questions Im a beginner)

No problem.
Not necessarily. Most chickens prefer crumbles.
Some people have bought pellets and the chickens refused to eat them.
But it would still be a good idea to raise it higher.
You may find that your hens prefer the chick feed. GC