Which is worse? Too much protein or too little?

[bubra007]

My problem is I have 5 10-11 month old hens and 4 2 month pullets. We don't have a way yet to separate them so we can feed them separate feeds. So I've been giving them all laying feed. Will this hurt the pullets? Stunt their growth? Will giving them all chick feed make the hens stop laying? Argh.

We should have our yard partitioned next week so I can separate the girls. Help!!!

 

[Judy]

I'd give chick feed and set out some oyster shell, if you don't already have it available. Supposedly the pullets will leave the oyster shell alone and the hens will take what they need, or so I have read.

I wouldn't panic over a week or so of "wrong feed," though.

 

[digitS']

A higher than usual protein feed isn't of much concern for the hens.

The too high calcium isn't so good for the chicks. They need to be producing eggshells daily for layer to be a safe feed.

Ddawn has the right advice to my way of thinking.

Steve