What to feed a mixed age flock

[nbelval]

Hello,

My girls will be 18 weeks soon and I was going to move them to a laying ration soon. However, we will be gettin chicks in the spring and once they are old enough they will join the older ladies. I've read that the growing feed is not good for the older hens and the laying ration has too much calcium for chicks/pullets. Is there a feed I can use for growing, egg laying and roosters and then offer oyster shell free choice? Not sure if there is a simple solution or if I would need to keep them separate until they are on a laying ration. Thanks so much!

 

[Whittni]

Go with "Developer" and both groups will have their diet needs met.

 

[nbelval]

That's great, thanks!!! I would still need to provide oyster shell correct?

 

[KuroKitsune]

yes provide shell for your hens that are lay and the grower will work for them all

 

[nbelval]

I'm sorry! One more question! If starter is 18% protein and layer is 16% is 20% protein in the developer or grower to high? I was planning on using purina sun fresh as its readily available but didn't know if the protein is to high.

 

[upthecreek]

I'm sorry! One more question! If starter is 18% protein and layer is 16% is 20% protein in the developer or grower to high? I was planning on using purina sun fresh as its readily available but didn't know if the protein is to high.

it really won't matter if you are using a feed that uses only plant protein ...... as any of plant protein will just keep your chickens going until they pass thru a good year or so of their life and then most people get rid of them and start over (a win win situation for hatchery and feed company).

Shannon

 

[TripleKFarm]

what I do is feed my layers, chicks, and pullets something different. what I do is I have my layers on free choice of layer feed and scratch. I also let them run around in the yard as well. I don't put my pullets on layer till they are laying...my chicks are on starter till they hit around the 4 month old period. to help them all get enough of what they need is I will either scramble up some eggs or hard boil them...I keep the shells separate and only feed the shells to my layers. the others get the yolks. I always sprinkle some Italian seasoning +cyanne pepper on the yolks.

I also make them pancakes...I use whole wheat flour, handful of oats, cap full of apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, cyanne pepper. cook them up like a real pancake and feed. also I grow fodder (anything that will sprout-before it blooms). these methods are super healthy for your birds, it will keep them wormed, flushed out, help with getting lice, mites, etc. its all the way around good stuff. plus it helps to recycle left overs...you are feeding them organic means and you will have super healthy vibrant birds. I've done this from day one of having my birds. I have chicks, pullets and layers, roosters as well.

I have found these methods give my birds everything they need/want. plus its bonding time for me and my birds...I get to see the enjoyment out of them getting super yummy goodies!

 

[nbelval]

I don't think we are going to get rid of any. They are more pets than just egg layers. So would the developer be safe into old age with them?
Thanks for the recipes - I'm sure my chickens will love them!

 

[Binababy]

Hi, I have 2 RIR hens about 6 months old and just started them on layer & oats from medicated chick starter and my Lavender Orpington youngsters 4 months and under chick starter medicated. I was wondering when the RIR hens will start laying and how long before we could eat the eggs?

 

[Binababy]

Also will the lay everyday if I do not feed them the layer but let them free range during the day and coop at night, along with scratch and oats and the black sunflower seeds?