Meeting nutritional needs of hens of different ages

[momma jules]

I have two age groups among my chickens. My marans are 19 weeks and one is laying already. My other chicks are 15 weeks and are a variety of breeds. How do I make sure my marans get the calcium they need without my younger birds getting more calcium and less protein than they need?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Continue all of them on grower feed until they're all laying. Provide oyster shell in a separate container for the birds laying. I do this and make sure they never run out of OS. I keep one container near the feed and another next to the nests. When the egg enters the shell gland they'll feel the need for calcium and seek it out.

 

[momma jules]

Thanks! A simple solution. I love it!

 

[myneek]

I had similar issues. I have laying hens (just) and had 2 week old chicks,

Found that the hens preferred chick crumb rather than layered feed.

However I wasn't to worried about it as mine roam the garden and feed on the various bugs and snails. The laying hens eggs are extremely hard shells so I assume they are getting what they need.

 

[Sylviaanne]

Continue all of them on grower feed until they're all laying. Provide oyster shell in a separate container for the birds laying. I do this and make sure they never run out of OS. I keep one container near the feed and another next to the nests. When the egg enters the shell gland they'll feel the need for calcium and seek it out.

I have a question: If I provide a separate container of oyster shell, will the younger birds get into it?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They have access to it but won't really like the taste and avoid it.

I've seen a rooster and the occasional chick peck at it, but rarely.

 

[Sylviaanne]

They have access to it but won't really like the taste and avoid it.

I've seen a rooster and the occasional chick peck at it, but rarely.

Thank you. I have been worried enough about it that I am still buying crumbles and starter. Next time we buy, it will all be starter.