Mixed age feeding?

[CozyDia]

Hey guys. I have four 5-6 week old chicks from TSC that will be in the same chicken run as my one older hen soon. My question is how do you go about feeding them their respective food? I feed my older hen layer pellets and I feed my chicks their starter feed. My older hen would sometimes try to eat the chick's food. I'm worried the chicks eating the hen's food might not be good for them.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Feed them all the same thing-either grower or all flock. Provide oyster shell on the side for your hen.

 

[Brooks_]

Adults eater starter is fine, chicks eating layer is not. Best/easiest option is to feed starter or all flock to all with oyster shell on the side.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'm worried the chicks eating the hen's food might not be good for them.

Correct, it's too low in protein too high in calcium. Both will stunt growth while the latter *can* cause gout, kidney failure, and death IF fed LONG term to birds genetically predisposed somehow and also not in lay. Sampling the layer in small amounts won't cause harm.

I use Purina flock raiser with oyster shell on the side free choice full time to accommodate different age flock. I never change and my older birds molt less hard since having more nutrients on board.

"Starter" or "all flock" or "grower" with at least 18%-22% protein would also be a fine choice for everyone AS long as there is oyster shell on the side. You already noted the hens love the stuff!

The chicks may sample the oyster shell but they won't overload on it with every bite.

Some folks try just putting the layer feed higher, out of reach from the chicks. Other folks don't know or care about the information I just gave you and choose to feed layer anyways and may never face issues.

The higher nutrients that get fed don't change the overall fat/protein ratio of eggs.. but it does effect the micro nutrient levels so technically more nutritious eggs for the family despite a slightly higher cost than "layer".

Hope you are enjoying BYC!

 

[CozyDia]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll try to find some all flock foods and oyster shells at my local TSC!

 

[Brooks_]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll try to find some all flock foods and oyster shells at my local TSC!

And grit, but you've probably been doing that.

You'll not regret the all flock route. As @U_Stormcrow would say, It's Good nutrition for them and easy for you.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I would say that, and I often do.

Sorry I missed this, was out adding more fence to the bunny runs and ensuring the electric fence around it works.

Great advice above, without one of my lengthy posts!

 

[LizGio]

I would say that, and I often do.

Sorry I missed this, was out adding more fence to the bunny runs and ensuring the electric fence around it works.

Great advice above, without one of my lengthy posts!

I enjoy your lengthy posts. Super helpful!!