Mixed Flock - What to Feed

[newchickmomma83]

Ok I have 1 hen that is already laying, one that is 15 1/2 weeks, and 3 hens that are about 12 weeks. I've been giving them chick/grower feed, putting some Oyster Shells in there for the laying hen, and various treats sporadically. Since I have another chick coming up on laying soon, is it ok to switch to a layer feed? Or should I be feeding an All Flock feed until they are all of age? I should add, Dolly (my hen that's already laying) has continued to lay without the layer feed.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

 

[sourland]

I'd recommend all flock with oyster shell on the side.

 

[newchickmomma83]

I'd recommend all flock with oyster shell on the side.

Thank you so very much for responding! I had this feeling it was time to switch but I'm still learning. I mean they are thriving and spoiled LOL but I want to make sure I'm doing the right things! I have to buy a new bag this weekend so I was looking for some reassurance I guess. I know some people are very against the layer feed until they start laying, but there's a million different opinions right!?

 

[Yardmom]

You can continue to feed the starter grower or switch to an all flock type feed. Of course continue keeping the oyster shells on the side. This feeding method is good for their entire lives.

 

[newchickmomma83]

You can continue to feed the starter grower or switch to an all flock type feed. Of course continue keeping the oyster shells on the side. This feeding method is good for their entire lives.

Oh thank you so much! I may be new but gosh I just love having chickens hahaha. I live in town so I'm limited. I'd probably be in trouble if I lived in the country hahahaha

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Oh thank you so much! I may be new but gosh I just love having chickens hahaha. I live in town so I'm limited. I'd probably be in trouble if I lived in the country hahahaha

Seven max, no roo, where I live. Built-in boundaries!

 

[chickenbreederinchina]

You're on the right track! Since you've got a mixed-age flock, an All Flock or Grower feed with free-choice oyster shells is actually a great setup—especially while most of your hens are still under laying age.
Layer feed has extra calcium, which is great for hens that are laying but can be too much for younger pullets. Too much calcium too early can strain their kidneys. So until your younger girls hit around 18 weeks or you see them starting to lay, it’s safer to hold off on switching the whole flock.
Dolly’s doing just fine because she’s getting the calcium she needs from the oyster shell. Once most of your flock is laying, you can transition over to a layer feed if you want, but offering oyster shell separately works just as well if you prefer to keep everyone on the same feed.
Hope that helps, and sounds like you’ve got a happy little flock going!