what to feed?

[buffy O's]

I have several chickens that are 16 wks old, getting ready to start on layer feed, then I have some that are 11 wks. Well, we want to put them all together, right now they are seperated, but how will we keep the 11 wk olds from eating the layer. One more ? that may seem kinda dumb but is it ok for the roos to eat layer too?

 

[faykokoWV]

I had this same question and never really found a good answer. Everyone says Ok for rooster to eat layer feed, but not to feed it to a pullet that's not ready to lay.

I don't really want to seperate mine, so I'm feeding grower and providing calcium (oyster shell) on the side. My chickens are free ranging most of the day, so I'm hoping they are getting enough of what they need.

I'm not really sure what the difference is in the nutritional content of grower vs layer feed? Hopefully someone will answer!

 

[texaschickmama]

It's best to keep everyone on the starter until someone starts to lay. That way the smaller ones get what they are needing longer.

The roos can eat anything.

 

[Blue_Myst]

What you could definitely do is keep all of them on the grower feed and put out free choice oyster shell (NOT mixed with the food). The hens that are laying with eat what they need of the oyster shell, and the young ones basically ignore it (I have a feeling it doesn't taste very good!).

I've heard mixed feelings on the rooster issue. I'm sure the extra calcium in the layer feed isn't very healthy for them, but that's just my opinion. I know people have fed their roosters layer without any issues.

I'm not really sure what the difference is in the nutritional content of grower vs layer feed?

From my understanding, grower has a higher protein content than the layer, and the layer feed has a much higher calcium content for strong egg shells.​

 

[hinkjc]

I would keep everyone on starter/grower as well. No need to provide oyster shells yet. Once you see an egg, see how old the younger ones are. If they're ready for layer feed, then switch everyone. If not, then provide the oyster shell for the older ones to access as needed.