What if chicks eat Layena?

[Intileo]

What happens if chicks eat grown up layer feed?

My chicks are 6 weeks old and still hanging out with Mama Hen. I've had two feeders on the go: one inside the coop with the chicks containing Chick Start and Grow; one outside in the run, where the babies couldn't get, containing Layena (the layer feed) for our 19 laying hens.

Now the chicks are able to fly up to the window and out to the run where I have the other feeder, what's a good way to feed adult hens the grit they need to make egg shells, whilst not- I presume- making my chicks ill by letting them get to the laying hen feed?

Thanks all!!!

 

[hinkjc]

You probably won't notice anything immediate, altho bone and development problems are possible.

In the future, you will have higher instances of organ problems which lead to gout in birds fed high calcium feed during growth stages.

It would be beneficial to keep them apart. If you can't do that, then I would suggest feeding everyone chick feed (nonmedicated) and offer free choice oyster shell for your hens.

Grit is not the same as oyster shells and should also be provided in the appropriate size for your birds. Grit is used in the crop to grind feed. It is only necessary to provide grit if you feed something to your birds other than packaged chicken rations. Most feed brands have grit right in with the pellets.

Jody

 

[horsejody]

I use Purina Flock Raiser with free choice oyster shell in a separate dish. If you have a mixed population that will keep the birds that don't need the extra calcium safe. My hens will take the oyster shell if they need it. The rest just ignore it.