NY chicken lover!!!!

[featherz]

Frenchy's four come running out in the AM and none of the Delaware hens or roo bother them. It all depends on the breed or specific bird I guess.

I never seem to have problems with the non broody hens, but this a coop with ALL broodies. Wasn't sure how one broody with chicks would act against another - sometimes they can get nasty. These chicks appear to pick a mama at random so far, so that's a good thing.. I hope.

 

[rancher hicks]

May I ask why you need grit ? Grit is included in their feed already .
If you add more grit to their diet .... they will get weird coughing / choking symptoms .
They will naturally get some grit when they are outside in the dirt .

The amount of grit in feed isn't always sufficient, especially layer feeds. I'm not sure if we're talking chicks here but I've never had a problem. This is the first I've heard of a choking problem. I put it out and they eat what they want. I leave it up to them.

 

[rancher hicks]

looking for advice.... i am about to let my two flocks finally live together, 6 young (10wks) will join 11 older (at least a year +) in the big coop. now heres the dilemma, how should i feed all of them? my feed store said i could give them all layer feed, does this sound ok? the youngsters are on grower right now, should i mix grower with layer? i still have about 20# of grower. the 6 youngsters are almost as big as my old girls, and i believe i have several roosters in that young flock as well. i was going to open the door seperating these 2 flocks and see if they get along. they've been sharing the run with the big girls which i seperated into 2 runs, but they are outgrowing the smaller part i put them in. SO, what should i do? give em all layer feed?

Absolutely NOT.

When I have mixed chicks, (which is what I'd call a 10 wk old) I feed the entire coop on Non medicated, Starter/Grower. I mix it with a liquid, water/milk to make a mush. It reduces the waster.

In fact I'm off to buy some now for the Delaware coop since there is Frenchy and her four chicks.

There is extra calcium in layer feed that is not good for young birds.

You could also use a Grower/Finisher I suppose but in my case I just stick with the Starter/Grower Until I move the youngsters to separate coop or they are near laying age.

I also supply Oyster shell for the older birds to eat at their leisure. Raised to a height so the little ones can't get to it.

 

[rancher hicks]

I never seem to have problems with the non broody hens, but this a coop with ALL broodies. Wasn't sure how one broody with chicks would act against another - sometimes they can get nasty. These chicks appear to pick a mama at random so far, so that's a good thing.. I hope.

Yeah I got one of those coops now, but no chicks have hatched. Yet.

 

[huntin fool]

Quote: </ thanks rancher, so if i give everyone grower, and supplement with oyster shell, i should be ok?

 

[melbu23]

My chickens are outside in the chicken tractor =). They are so funny - looked like they did not now what they should do. I bet they love the extra room though compared to the little brooder they were in (which by the way looked huge when the chicks were little =)).
It is a beautiful day here - sunny and warm and blue skies. Going to now clean the dust the chicks made out of my garage.
BBL

 

[Tab's chicken obsession]

I'm always on the go lately. I just got home from work, tomorrow we're off to my in-laws, and Monday my parents are coming over. Next weekend is a birthday party then into the week are Travis' and Fiona's birthdays and then my cousin's wedding on the 7th in alex bay. I need to squeeze in planting my garden. Summer will be over before I know it!

 

[cracrzy4chicks]

WARNING GRAPHIC PIC:
This guy was after my chickens this morning, he won't be a problem anymore.

Good job ! Wouldn't want him eating those new Aussie chicks !!

 

[ke5hde]

looking for advice.... i am about to let my two flocks finally live together, 6 young (10wks) will join 11 older (at least a year +) in the big coop. now heres the dilemma, how should i feed all of them? my feed store said i could give them all layer feed, does this sound ok? the youngsters are on grower right now, should i mix grower with layer? i still have about 20# of grower. the 6 youngsters are almost as big as my old girls, and i believe i have several roosters in that young flock as well. i was going to open the door seperating these 2 flocks and see if they get along. they've been sharing the run with the big girls which i seperated into 2 runs, but they are outgrowing the smaller part i put them in. SO, what should i do? give em all layer feed?

Purina Flock Raiser and some oyster shell on the side for the layers.

 

[Cass]

looking for advice.... i am about to let my two flocks finally live together, 6 young (10wks) will join 11 older (at least a year +) in the big coop. now heres the dilemma, how should i feed all of them? my feed store said i could give them all layer feed, does this sound ok? the youngsters are on grower right now, should i mix grower with layer? i still have about 20# of grower. the 6 youngsters are almost as big as my old girls, and i believe i have several roosters in that young flock as well. i was going to open the door seperating these 2 flocks and see if they get along. they've been sharing the run with the big girls which i seperated into 2 runs, but they are outgrowing the smaller part i put them in. SO, what should i do? give em all layer feed?

Did anyone respond yet?

My two cents. I feed my mixed flock whatever the youngest in the flock requires AND I add oyster shell (or ground up egg shells) on the side. And grit on the side (always) but the right size for the youngest in the flock. However I also suppliment with treats of all kinds....tomatoes, cabbage, noodles, bread....whatever I have in the fridge that is going to spoil soon. (They LOVE Hamburger Helper. LOL) AND they free range whenever the sun is shining. I feel they get a well rounded diet. They are all healthy, growing and laying eggs.