Making chick started using layer feed??? Can I just add something?

[chickchick]

So, I have a hen who is about to hatch 3 chicks (hopefully) this week. And I don't want to buy a bag of chick starter, but I'd like to use what I have on hand. I have an organic 16% layer feed that I give to my 7 laying hens.

Can I mash up the layer feed by adding some warm water and boost the protein by adding something, maybe oats? Or use soymilk? What do others do for feed when just a few chicks join the flock?

Thanks

 

[silkiechicken]

The larger issue with feeding layer to chicks is the high calcium content that can be bad for the growing internal organs since they do not need to produce egg shells. What I like to use is a "flock raiser" with oyster shells on the side for the hens to eat free choice, since you can't really take the calcium out of the layer.