Mixing ages and right type feed

[Judiegal]

New at this. We have 5...4 month old hens and
A dozen 6 week old chicks. Babies are on medicated chicken starter. We want to blend the now, but they need to share feed. I’ve read not to let younger chicks have layer feed yet. What would be the best type for all of them?

 

[DuckGirl77]

I feed flock raiser/grower to my flock of mixed ages. I put some calcium in a dish on the side for the laying hens; they take it as they need it.

Also, welcome to BYC!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed Non-Medicated Starter-Grower to all after 10 weeks old. My 8 weeks old chicks are on Medicated feed "Amprolium" at the moment. It's safe to feed to Hens, no egg withdrawal according to Nutrena. See Myth #3.

I have a separate container of Oyster Shells for the Hens. GC

 

[Doc7]

I wouldn’t recommend using layer feed.


I use Purina flock raiser Mostly but I will purchase Any major brand that has the latest manufacture date when I go to the store (tractor supply).


The way I figure, more than half the year:
- you have chicks
- you have hens not laying due to daylight hours
- you have hens not laying due to molt (and this can be months and months of the year if you look at all the times any single hen is molting)
- You have a broody
- You might have a roo

I just see no reason to buy layer feed when any given day one of these factors could be impacting the flock and layer feed would negatively impact at least one bird. This is why I don’t even consider any feed but the most recent mill date Flock Raiser (any brand) with a can of oyster shell always present


That is a copy paste of another post I’ve made but basically, Feed all your chickens flock raiser from hatch until death

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I too feed Flock Raiser, with oyster shell in a separate dish. It's fresh by mill date where I shop, very important. Any good all flock feed should work well for everyone.
Mary