Question about feeding

[littlechix]

I have put my 8 week old pullets in with the big girls and they are getting along great. I'm just wondering what I do about feeding them. Is it ok to be on layer that early? Help please. Thanks! $

 

[Toddrick]

They say you should not feed pullets layers feed. Use starter feed for all, and put oysters shells out separate for the hens.

 

[littlechix]

Great! That's what I have been doing. Thanks!!!

 

[pdirt]

They say you should not feed pullets layers feed. Use starter feed for all, and put oysters shells out separate for the hens.

Great! That's what I have been doing. Thanks!!!

You can continue feeding this way for the rest of their lives, if you wish. It's a great way to go if you ever plan (or end up with!) roosters or more chicks/pullets, then you don't have to deal with switching from layer to starter/oyster shell again. You can feed starter, grower, "all flock", "flock raiser", turkey grower, broiler grower or game bird feed...always keeping a dish on the side of crushed oyster shells. Also, molting hens shouldn't eat layer feed either, because they won't be laying eggs for at least 2 months, often longer. I almost never feed layer feed because it's just too specialized of a feed that ever fits my flock's needs.

 

[littlechix]

That is so great!! I have broody hens that I am letting raise the chicks with the flock so what you told me makes life ao much easier and I don't have to worry anymore. Thank you thank you!!

 

[littlechix]

1 more question...... when you said flock raiser.... it is fine for all ages to be on that?

 

[pdirt]

1 more question...... when you said flock raiser.... it is fine for all ages to be on that?

As far as I know, it's fine for everyone except the youngest chicks. You probably want to keep chicks under 8 weeks old on starter first.