question about feeding a hen housed with babies

[kyrose]

i have an adult cochin that i keep with my 6 week old babies.what is the best way to feed them all what they are suppose to have and keep them out of what they aren't suppose to have.thanks for any advice.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Feed them all chick starter, it won't hurt the adult hen.

 

[kyrose]

even though she is at the age to lay eggs?

 

[cjexotic]

I feed all my layers chick feed (non-med) then when they lay I just add
oyster shell. That way I do not have to worry about the chicks and youngster getting what they are not suppose to have. Layers do just fine with that along with the roos.

 

[kyrose]

thanks so much.that will make things easy...

 

[cjexotic]

Yeap.. my vet said that. He said the only real diff between layer and chick is the calcium level and the layers need that. So just put out oyster shell when needed. Now I feed Gamebird chick starter grower as its higher in protein at his recommendations. An I have not lost but only two chicks out of 110 this year since I raise the protein level by using gamebird instead of just regular chick starter.

 

[kyrose]

the oyster shell wont hurt the babies or they just wont eat it?

 

[cjexotic]

they don't eat it. they seem to know when its time..same with the layers you will see some just gobble it up and others bearly touch it. They know if they need it. just keep it free choice.. don't mix in feed. Put it in a different bowl or feeder.

 

[kyrose]

cj,thanks so much.

 

[cjexotic]

your very welcome