Merging chicks into main flock - feeding concerns

[GardenJen77]

My chicks are about 7 weeks old now and just about fully feathered. They still make chick noises and dash about like little kids (SOOOO CUTE!). They are outside in a separate run from the main flock, where the main flock can see them. However, a time or two my full grown year old hens have made it into the separate enclosure due to latch failure on the door that separates the runs. All seems to go well.

With that in mind, I am thinking about integrating my chicks when they are a tad bigger (10 weeks) and are on grower feed. Here's the question. I know that laying hens are not supposed to eat starter feed, but what about grower? I have no way to separate the chick feed where the older hens can't get to it. Will it be ok? Also, the hens tend to gravitate towards new feeders as opportunistic feeders and will wipe out the food seeing it as a "treat" like they do scratch grains.

If I were to switch both flocks to grower feed, that might solve that issue.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I would like to get these babies moved into the larger flock asap as they seem to be accepted so far, and so I get my quarantine run back.

 

[NNYchick]

I have my the whole flock on starter(available when I have chicks)/grower year round and offer oyster shells on the side, because the it is higher in protein and I have multiple ages and sex(non-laying shouldn't have layer feed). I believe the hens cant have medicated starter but I use non medicated starter with no problems. Read the label on the grower feed I believe they could start my brand says 5 weeks and up. Make sure you have multiple feeders set up so the big girls don't keep the littles from being able to eat.

 

[GardenJen77]

I have my the whole flock on starter(available when I have chicks)/grower year round and offer oyster shells on the side, because the it is higher in protein and I have multiple ages and sex(non-laying shouldn't have layer feed). I believe the hens cant have medicated starter but I use non medicated starter with no problems. Read the label on the grower feed I believe they could start my brand says 5 weeks and up. Make sure you have multiple feeders set up so the big girls don't keep the littles from being able to eat.

Of course! Many feeders make happier hens! As far as starting them on grower, most brands tell you 10 weeks for grower. I also had read that the laying hens can't have starter as the higher protein could cause health issues like cancer.

 

[NNYchick]

I use Southern State brand and they offer chick start and grow says hatch to 5 week and flock balancer that says 5 weeks through maturity. I keep my flock on 20% feed because that is what numerous silkie breeders have said not to go below 20%. I would think feeding the super high protein like for meat birds would be an issue, I have seen some different feeds that are 24-28%. I don't know I have never heard about causing cancer. But I have seen lots of information that most layer feed does not have adequate protein. I am happy with the conditioning of my flock using the 20% protein.

 

[JMotuzick]

My four 9 week olds are in with 3 other hens. I have a all flock grower pellet, also have the starter/grower in mash form in a separate feeder. Oyster shells in a third feeder. Although they do eat from both since they have been together I’ve had to fill the pellets twice but have not touched the mash. We are going out of town for a week in about 10 days. I’ll fill the night before and then never again. The little ones will be 12 weeks when we get back, they should be fine on pellets from there on.

 

[Chicken Chat]

I feed everybody the Purina flock raiser, its 20% protein and can be used from hatch on since I let a lot of my broodies raise the chicks in with the flock. Makes life so much easier than having to buy multiple bags of different feed. I have a hanging feeder on the wall that offers oyster shell free choice for the layers.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I don't use layer feed....I use an appropriate feed for all ages and supplement calcium separately for the laying birds free choice. At the moment I'm using flock raiser, but I have used all flock, grower, etc in the past depending onwhat was available

 

[blackdog043]

I feed Starter/Grower 20% from day one and never change, I have oyster shell in a separate container for my layers.

 

[lazy gardener]

As long as you have plenty of room, places for the chicks to getaway from the older birds, (but not dead end spots) and can set up separate feed/water stations so the chicks won't get bullied away from the feed, I recommend integrating them sooner rather than later. @azygous has an article about "panic room" integration. I recommend that you use this approach.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

As long as you have plenty of room, places for the chicks to getaway from the older birds, (but not dead end spots) and can set up separate feed/water stations so the chicks won't get bullied away from the feed, I recommend integrating them sooner rather than later. @azygous has an article about "panic room" integration. I recommend that you use this approach.

X2
I brood side by side from day one now and integrate at 3-4 weeks using this approach. It simplifies things for all involved as it most closely replicates chicks raised in the flock by a broody hen and naturally integrating as independent birds at "weaning".