Mixed flock

[paulsooie]

Question. I have three hens that have been laying for about 8 months, and 8, 8 week old chicks. Will it kill the chicks if they eat the layer feed? I have put them in the same pen but not sure how to keep them from eating each others food. I figured the layers need the layena, but the chicks might not be ready for it. Any solutions are helpful

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can't keep them from eating each other's feed. And, yes, feeding layer feed to 8 week old chicks can kill them.
The best method is to feed grower feed to all the birds and provide oyster shell in a separate container for the layers.
Birds actively laying need extra calcium. Growing birds will likely get urolithiasis, renal failure, visceral gout and possiblel death.

4% calcium in chick diets can result in up to 50% mortality and the damaged kidneys can affect lay rate when they mature.

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/12/2300.abstract

 

[threescompany]

Question. I have three hens that have been laying for about 8 months, and 8, 8 week old chicks. Will it kill the chicks if they eat the layer feed? I have put them in the same pen but not sure how to keep them from eating each others food. I figured the layers need the layena, but the chicks might not be ready for it. Any solutions are helpful

It is not good for pullets younger than 16 weeks to have too much calcium so layena is not the way to go with the new chicks. You could switch out to flockraiser and give oyster shell for additional calcium. The chicks won't eat the oyster shell since they don't need it but the olders will have what they need. Good luck! https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-chickens-an-introductory-guide is a good resource about feeding.

 

[paulsooie]

Ok I know I sound cheap, would it hurt to mix the layer I have left with equal parts grower/starter until it's all gone?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

We're all cheap. Well at least I am.
If it were me, I'd refrigerate or freeze the layer feed.
I wouldn't mix half and half. That would give you 2.5% calcium. I'd mix a quarter layer to 3/4 grower.

 

[paulsooie]

That sounds good, thanks a bunch everyone