What’s the best way to feed 2 month old chicks and adult hens?

[colette peters]

Im having a hard time trying to figure out the best way to feed my (3) 2 month old chicks with my 12 adult hens? I can’t keep them separate as they are already integrated together.
I was told to mix the chick starter (non medicated) with organic pellets. So when they feed all together the chicks can pick for the mash and the hens eats the pellets.
I’m just reading other posts that the chicks should be eating medicated mash for 5 months?!! Is this the case?!
But clearly I couldn’t have my egg laying hens eat that as I’d have to withdraw the eggs.

But I’m getting worried they are not eating enough.
Any suggestions? @Wyorp Rock
Thanks for you time.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Feed straight nonmedicated crumble....I prefer a 20% protein so flock raiser, all flock, starter/grower, etc....offer free choice oyster shell for the hens to take as needed

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Incidentally, medicated feed generally has no egg withdrawal......most medicated feed has a prophylactic level of coccidiostat which is a thiamine blocker and in levels potentially passed to eggs poses no issue for human consumption

 

[colette peters]

Feed straight nonmedicated crumble....I prefer a 20% protein so flock raiser, all flock, starter/grower, etc....offer free choice oyster shell for the hens to take as needed

Thank you!

 

[colette peters]

Incidentally, medicated feed generally has no egg withdrawal......most medicated feed has a prophylactic level of coccidiostat which is a thiamine blocker and in levels potentially passed to eggs poses no issue for human consumption

I was told the chicks can’t eat oyster shells as the calcium is dangerous for their bone growth I’m getting this info from my feed store. But I like others opinions. And that’s why I like this site. I’ve learned a lot here

 

[GC-Raptor]

I was told the chicks can’t eat oyster shells as the calcium is dangerous for their bone growth I’m getting this info from my feed store. But I like others opinions. And that’s why I like this site. I’ve learned a lot here

The Chicks may sample the Oyster Shells, but generally won't eat much if you also have Poultry Grit available in a separate container. . GC

 

[Stacyoung13]

Im having a hard time trying to figure out the best way to feed my (3) 2 month old chicks with my 12 adult hens? I can’t keep them separate as they are already integrated together.
I was told to mix the chick starter (non medicated) with organic pellets. So when they feed all together the chicks can pick for the mash and the hens eats the pellets.
I’m just reading other posts that the chicks should be eating medicated mash for 5 months?!! Is this the case?!
But clearly I couldn’t have my egg laying hens eat that as I’d have to withdraw the eggs.

But I’m getting worried they are not eating enough.
Any suggestions? @Wyorp Rock
Thanks for you time.

I put fencing in a corner of my run, and put food and water behind it. the babies can get through to eat, but the adults can’t!!!

 

[colette peters]

The Chicks may sample the Oyster Shells, but generally won't eat much if you also have Poultry Grit View attachment 1745011 available in a separate container.View attachment 1745012. GC

Yes exactly what I do. I got chick grit and it’s in a separate bowl for their taking and it’s always available.

 

[colette peters]

I put fencing in a corner of my run, and put food and water behind it. the babies can get through to eat, but the adults can’t!!!
View attachment 1745013

I did this for them for two weeks and then integrated them with the flock and all seems to be going well, and now they bring themselves at night to roost without my help .
There is A little bullying, but they have enough places to go to be alone. And all seems well.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Yes exactly what I do. I got chick grit and it’s in a separate bowl for their taking and it’s always available.

They should have the larger Poultry Grit available at 7 weeks old. GC