One laying Hen and one not laying - Which food + Grit suitability

[Spetznaaz]

Hello,

We recently got two Silkies about 26 weeks old and i was pleasantly surprised to find one of them had laid their very first egg yesterday. They are currently on growers feed but obviously now one of them needs layers feed. Don't really have any way to separate their feed so wondered what the best thing to do is? Also, with regards to grit, the only one i can find has added calcium in the form of sea shells and what not - I know non-layings hens shouldn't have extra calcium but as i say it's all i can find. Just wondered what people opinions were on if i should give it to them or not?

Cheers!

 

[3KillerBs]

Many people here don't feed layer at all -- preferring to use a higher-protein, all-flock type feed with oystershell on the side to meet the layers' calcium needs.

 

[Spetznaaz]

Forgive my ignorance but will the one that's laying know to eat the oystershell and would the non-layer know not to?

 

[3KillerBs]

Forgive my ignorance but will the one that's laying know to eat the oystershell and would the non-layer know not to?

Yes.

Both will taste it, but non-laying birds' instinct will tell them that they don't want to eat it.

 

[Spetznaaz]

Brilliant, i will do that then. Thank you