Starter Feed and Layer Feed

[nwtim]

We're trying to blend 5 8-week old chicks with 2 4-year old layers. The layers eat from a treadle feeder and the chicks have been eating from a standard hanging feeder. When I put the hanging feeder in the run for the chicks, the layers go after it like candy (it might be just because it's easier to get to). Any tips how I should feed them both? If I combine the feed will they just go for what they "need"?

Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

We're trying to blend 5 8-week old chicks with 2 4-year old layers. The layers eat from a treadle feeder and the chicks have been eating from a standard hanging feeder. When I put the hanging feeder in the run for the chicks, the layers go after it like candy. Any tips how I should feed them both? If I combine the feed will they just go for what they "need"?

Thanks!

If you switch your flock over to an 18 - 20% All Flock type of feed with oyster shell offered in a separate container... problem solved.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The starter is likely considerably higher in protein which makes it more palatable (most layer is 14-16%, starter is generally 20-24%). There is no harm in the mature birds eating the starter, somomy offer oyster shell on the side. The pullets will be big wmenough to trigger the treadle before they should have layer feed, so discontinue the layer entirely for the time being.
Many of us, myself included, never use layer. I prefer the better nutrition of a good 20% all age appropriate crumble with os on the side

 

[GC-Raptor]

I do the same. I have 3 year old Hens and 8 month old Pullets.
I feed either a Non-medicated Starter Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser Crumble feed with 18/20% Protein with Oyster Shells in a separate container. I haven't fed a Layers Feed in over a year.
My girls are happy and give me nice eggs. . Your 8 week old Chicks may sample the Oyster Shells but won't indulge as long as you have Poultry Grit available separately. GC

 

[nwtim]

Thanks for the great comments. We use soy-free organic starter feed and layer feed from a local supplier, Scratch-n-Peck. I thought about simply mixing the two feeds together along with oyster shell and chick grit and putting it all in the treadle feeder and see how it goes. I heard the pullets trigger the treadle door yesterday, but it scared them off and we probably let the layers in too soon for them to figure out there was food in there. I know they'd get hungry enough to figure it out very soon, but as of now they're too scared of the layers to get near it when the big girls are around. Any thoughts on that idea?

Our run is about 60 feet long, but only about 4 feet wide for most of it with a 8 x 10 square at the end opposite the coop. There's not a lot of room for escape so the layers can corner them readily. The layers don't appear to be super aggressive, but clearly territorial and want to serve notice that they're boss. I'm not sure they'll let the chicks up in the coop at night until they're a lot more comfortable with each other, but we've been giving them some time together this weekend. For two+ weeks prior to that, the 5 chicks have been in a brooder with a small run next to the main run to get them somewhat acquainted with the layers. However, they've now really outgrown their little 28"W x 24"D x 24"H brooder, so we moved them in for a few hours yesterday and starting a couple hours ago today. It'd be sad to see them go, but we're prepared to sell the layers (10+ eggs a week from the two of them) if we don't see progress in them sharing the space.

Any suggestions as to steps to take in this attempt would be much appreciated!

 

[blackdog043]

Put stuff in your run for the chicks to run behind, open on both ends or duck under where the big girls can't fit. I use pieces of ply wood leaned against the run and small pallets raised up. I also use three waterers and feeders while I'm integrating, so there are options for all of them to eat and drink. I use 20% starter/grower all the time, so it doesn't matter who eats from any of the feeders. I have oyster shell for the layers, if they need it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We use soy-free organic starter feed and layer feed from a local supplier, Scratch-n-Peck. I thought about simply mixing the two feeds together along with oyster shell and chick grit and putting it all in the treadle feeder and see how it goes.

Our run is about 60 feet long, but only about 4 feet wide for most of it with a 8 x 10 square at the end opposite the coop. There's not a lot of room for escape so the layers can corner them readily.

Don't mix the two feeds, the chickens can't tell the difference and all will end up eating the same thing. Definitely do not mix in the oyster shell. I have no experience with treadle feeders so not sure how big chicks have to be to use it.

Scratch & Peck has a grower feed which I feed to both my younger birds and layers. Oyster shells on the side should be enough for the hens' calcium needs. Once all the birds are laying or very close to it you can switch back to layer if you choose.

With integration, since the run is narrow that might cause some difficulties (mainly because chicks will have a hard time passing an adult without being "too close" if going from one end to the other). But see what you can do about adding hiding places/obstacles.

As an example here's how my run was laid out for integration. All obstacles against a wall have at least 2 "exits" to make it harder for hens to corner chicks:

 

[mominator60]

I love this!! I came here today with a question & it's answered within a few minutes of reading! Thanks for sharing!! Now I know to use the 20% crumble. My one old bird doesn't lay any more so I won't bother with too much calcium. This place is the best!