I'm just about to move our 8 wk old chicks out to the coop (have to get them out of the house). For the first few days, I'll keep them separated, but the I'll have a mix of 8-9 week olds and laying chickens. Once together, I can't control who eats grower and who gets layer feed. What's the best way to do this given that I can't keep them separated any longer? Leave both grower and layer mix out there and let both age groups eat what they may? Go with all grower and force the old maids to eat grower as well? I want to ensure the chicks develop well, but I don't want my eggers to slow down.
I have put both feeds out and let them have their choice. so far alls well and they are all laying now.. all now are on layer feed.
I would suggest flock raiser, an feed that all ages can eat and then offer oyster shell to your girls that are laying OR feed them all grower and the oyster shell for the big girls. You can do a search here on BYC for more info. on flock raiser.
