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

[Ol Grey Mare]

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!!!
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This prevents adults getting chick feed, but how does ir prevent chicks starting for adilt feed (the actual danger concern of pne is feeding calcium enriched layer feed)?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

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

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

I would feed everyone either straight unmedicated chick starter or flock raiser as suggested.

Don't mix the oyster shells with feed offer it free choice for your laying hens. A chick may pick up/explore a piece of oyster shell, but they are not going to scarf it down in quantities that will hurt them. Long term excess calcium in chicks can be damaging, 1-2 pieces of oyster shell is fine.

Chick size grit (crushed granite) should also be provided. That is a pet peeve of mine - yes....technically if the only thing they "eat" is chick starter they don't need grit, but chicks eat anything they can get into their beak - bedding, poop, feed, paper towels, anything that's not nailed down - they will try something at least once. Grit is fairly cheap and a bag will last for several seasons of hatching/getting chicks, so just go ahead and make it available to help avoid any potential problems.

 

[RoosterML]

I would feed everyone either straight unmedicated chick starter or flock raiser as suggested.

Don't mix the oyster shells with feed offer it free choice for your laying hens. A chick may pick up/explore a piece of oyster shell, but they are not going to scarf it down in quantities that will hurt them. Long term excess calcium in chicks can be damaging, 1-2 pieces of oyster shell is fine.

Chick size grit (crushed granite) should also be provided. That is a pet peeve of mine - yes....technically if the only thing they "eat" is chick starter they don't need grit, but chicks eat anything they can get into their beak - bedding, poop, feed, paper towels, anything that's not nailed down - they will try something at least once. Grit is fairly cheap and a bag will last for several seasons of hatching/getting chicks, so just go ahead and make it available to help avoid any potential problems.

X2

 

[RoosterML]

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

I will normally mix the two different size grits together. Especially if the birds are of various ages/size.

 

[colette peters]

I will normally mix the two different size grits together. Especially if the birds are of various ages/size.

Yes that’s what I do. Mix the different sizes of grit

 

[colette peters]

Thanks for your response. Yes I have two different size grit always available in the run.

I would feed everyone either straight unmedicated chick starter or flock raiser as suggested.

Don't mix the oyster shells with feed offer it free choice for your laying hens. A chick may pick up/explore a piece of oyster shell, but they are not going to scarf it down in quantities that will hurt them. Long term excess calcium in chicks can be damaging, 1-2 pieces of oyster shell is fine.

Chick size grit (crushed granite) should also be provided. That is a pet peeve of mine - yes....technically if the only thing they "eat" is chick starter they don't need grit, but chicks eat anything they can get into their beak - bedding, poop, feed, paper towels, anything that's not nailed down - they will try something at least once. Grit is fairly cheap and a bag will last for several seasons of hatching/getting chicks, so just go ahead and make it available to help avoid any potential problems.