when can i put my 20 week old chicks with my big girls/eat layer feed?

[ldutch123]

When can I have all my chickens together? I have some 2 year old girls and 25 20 week girls who haven't layer yet. Since they r 20 weeks cam they start eating layer feed and live with the big girls?

 

[Alexia]

I mix my pullets with my flock as soon as they are feathered and off the heat lamp. I do it slowly though. First I let them get to know each other for a few days to a week but still keep the babies separated from the big girls. (they can see each other but not peck each other since I separate them either using a cage or a fence). After that I open the cage door so the babies can get in and out and away from the big girls if they are being pecked. After a few days they get used to each other and everything is peaceful. I still would feed them grow mash (the big girls will eat it too so I offer it in several separate bowls so that they don't fight over it) and layer feed for the big girls. I hope that helps. I usually don't have any problem when I do it this way.

 

[ldutch123]

If I let them live together how can I keep the ill ones from eating the layer feed? Will it hurt if the big girls eat chick feed? What would u suggest about the food situation.

 

[ldutch123]

I was going to feed them all flock raiser but they only have pellets and they are used to crumbles?

 

[Alexia]

I will offer layer feed and grow mash. I find with my flock that they all prefer the mash but the big girls will still eat the layer feed (after the mash is all gone!). It won't hurt them.

 

[Alexia]

at 20 weeks they should have no problem eating grow pellets instead of crumbles

 

[mstricer]

Years ago I asked that question while I was at Meyer Hatchery and they told me that chicks can be on layer as young as 12 weeks

 

[ldutch123]

And u personaly never had any problem? I'm gonna mix the kids together then!

 

[Alexia]

Just remember to let them see each other for a few days before they are mixed together. Keep an eye on them. See how they react to each other. My flock is very docile so I never had any problems. They all get along great. Good luck. Keep us posted

 

[ldutch123]

They have had connected runs but seperated by fence for months now. They have ran together during the day for bout a week. The young girls just get out of my big girls way cause they rule all. I haven't seen anyone hurt just normal pecking order situations. Thanks so much for your help. I also find they r much happier and don't care about each other as much while free ranging.