Oh no just thought of something advice please

[Mskayladog]

When I get my daughters older laying hen how do I keep her out of the 10 week old chicks medicated starter grower food?

 

[chfite]

Stop the grower, switch to raiser, and provide a source calcium for the hen?

My 13 week olds have their own coop and grower food. The older chickens have their own coop and layer food. They have a common run and go in and out of each of the coops.

I have seen the older hens eating the grower food from time to time, but they still lay as before. I haven't seen the young ones eating the layer food, but I don't monitor their world that closely.

None of the food is medicated.

I have one hen who is broody to make this all more complicated.

The chickens seem happy and healthy.

I decided not to worry about this.

Chris

 

[Den in Penn]

A cage with a opening only the 10 week olds can use. After the medicated feed is gone switch to a all flock or raiser or grower feed for all. Put oyster shell on the side for the laying hen.

 

[Mskayladog]

I can't think of a way to seperate the one year old hen from the chickens, I may just let her eat the grower starter food. What would happen if I do??

 

[akovia]

She may put on some weight and could slow down egg production. Provide oyster shell free choice. The youngsters won't touch it.

 

[Den in Penn]

Little, grower and layer are nearly identical, the main difference is the layer has calcium. Put out a side dish of oyster shells for the calcium and its good. And no the non laying pullets will not eat it until they need it. Most do just feed one feed with a mixed age flock, it keeps it simple.

 

[Mskayladog]

I just talked to my daughter and she has been feeding them all medicated grower and the hen has neveer had calcium. I have a feeling these chicks and one hen are going to be very happy girls when they get here and see their new home and all the treats.