So now what'll I do? ...about the food

[McGoo]

So now I've got a mom and 6 chicks and within a week or so I'll be releasing them back to mingle with the others. I'm told that mom will keep everyone safe. She's done a stellar job so far, so I expect she'll continue.

But what about the feed? The little ones get the starter mash and the big ones are eating layer pellets?

What's the best way to approach this?

 

[daryl]

seperate them, IM going to have this issue soon I have a large run and coop so I can just fence off different areas at different times for this purpose

 

[suebee]

I put both out. Try to put the layer feed higher so the chicks can't get it. The adults will eat the chick starter, but that's fine. I'd put out some oyster shell for the older hens too. Get layer pellets and chick starter crumbles...the chicks won't eat pellets...they're too big.

I've had chickens for years, and believe me...you don't have to separate them. They will be fine with 2 foods. The chicks will know what to eat.

 

[cmom]

How old are the chicks? If they are old enough maybe you could put them on Flock Raiser. There are many more knowledgeable members out there than I am. Hopefully someone will know.

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
Thanks for your advice... and yes, I did notice today that the chicks didn't eat the pellets, yet momma ate both the chick starter and the pellets.

Today one of the babies got out of the coop with Momma, but the others weren't able to jump the gate that I put up.... so I took down the gate and they all managed to come down the ramp and join momma. It took 2 of them about 2 hrs...but they all had a great day in their separate penned in area. Momma showed them how to peck away.

Problem encountered - when Momma went back up the ramp late today, and she did it about 50 times, 4 out of 6 never figured it out and they were outside peeping loud. So I rounded them up and put them in with their momma. Guess that will take a few more days.

Ever encounter this???

 

[suebee]

Yep, she did it 50 times to teach them. I watch them panic for about 5-10 minutes then I just scoop them up and in, all is well. It may take a week of practice for them but they'll get it eventually!

Your doing GREAT! suebee.

 

[McGoo]

thanks! This is sooooo much fun.

 

[RAWR]

Quote:
i like that idea

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
i like that idea

What is 'flock raiser'????

 

[suebee]

Flock Raiser is only for adult chickens.