Run-off Layer Feed a Problem?

[Studio2770]

I just moved our 4 8 wk old chicks in the run and closed it off to the big girls for the see but no touch period. Part of the run goes under the coop and the coop floor is wire mesh so the some of the feed falls on the ground. I plan to get something to catch the feed though. Are the chicks okay if they happen to pick up those bits?

 

[Tlmcq]

A small amount will not hurt them as long as they are still eating enough of their grower feed. They need the extra protein provided by the starter food and shouldn't have the added calcium in later feed, but small amounts won't harm them. I've ran out of starter and had to give mine layer feed for couple days til I could get more. You can also switch your girls to starter feed til the little ones go on layer if it's a big problem, but be sure you give the older girls oyster shell in a separate feeder if you do that otherwise they won't have enough calcium.