Mother hen and 3 week old chicks integrated into flock QUESTIONS

[roxanne]

I integrated a mama hen and her three chicks back into the flock. Mama has been SUPER about protecting them and guiding them around the run. They have been on chick started feed since they hatched, but now they are running around eating everything the other chickens are eating as well. I have another hen who it hatching out chicks and I will be putting her in the brooder within the next day. I will close it up so the newly hatched chicks can grow and bond with their mama. The older chicks still go into the brooder to eat the starter feed, but it will be closed up here soon. I am not sure what to do about having starter feed available for the older chicks because the older hens eat it. How long do the chicks need to stay on started feed? Any suggestions on how to feed them?

 

[nuthatched]

Easy answer. Feed everyone starter.
Provide oyster shell for your girls. Chicks need starter for about 20 weeks.

 

[Altairsky]

Chick starter is good for everyone, just add some oyster shell free choice if layers needs it.