When to stop feeding Start & Grow?

[CAjerseychick]

I have one layer and eight 9+ week old chicks. I house them all together but keep their food separate. I do this by mounting the layers food higher than the little ones can reach, but low enough she can easily get in to the food. The chick food is hidden behind my storage cans where they can easily reach it but she can't squeeze in there. I figure when they are tall enough to reach the layer food, they will be about the right age to eat it. It works for us...at least for now.

Do you worry that the hens will scatter the layer feed on the ground and the younger birds will eat that? I would worry since the calcium is bad for them. ,,,

 

[Sharon Bee]

I fed my chicks the chick crumble until they were six weeks old. They are on the next type of food and they qre 8 weeks. They are happy and healthy. They dont get layer food until about 5 months so I've read.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The layer feed starts when the first egg comes unless it's an industrial operation and lighting is controlled.

 

[dokam]

OK - you will be able to tell I am new at this....but do hens know where to lay eggs? I have a coop (with a nesting box) which they never use. They always stay outside in the run; maybe because it is summer, I don't know. But will they go inside to lay eggs or will they just lay them anywhere?

 

[Sharon Bee]

I read that you should put a golf ball or a fake wooden or glass egg in the nest. This will encourage them to lay in the nesting box. I'm going to do this.

 

[dokam]

Thanks - I saw those at the feed store and wondered about them. I'll try that too.