Youngsters getting into thelayer pellets

[Dailypix]

I opened the quarantine door to let the 6 chicks I incubated in early April mix with the flock. They could see each other through the wire for 2 weeks and apart from a little grumbling from a halfbreed leghorn all went well. The chicks were on medicated chick starter but I notice they are following the glock and eating the layer pellets. The grown chickens are eating the babies chick starter. Should I be concerned?

 

[Brooks_]

Adults eating starter is fine, little ones eating layer today is ok. Switch everyone to an all flock and put out oyster shell for the layers.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The extra calcium in layer feed is potentially damaging to the liver of non laying (Roos, hens during molt) chickens, and birds in development. They can't excrete it, and it builds up.

But because its one of those time and dosage things, how much damage it may do, and what effect it may have on them over the course of their lives is quite variable. Your hatchlings getting into layer feed a couple times isn't going to kill them.

Feeding layer exclusively, from hatching on up, will likely result in shorter lifespans for your birds, particularly your roosters. How much shorter will depend in part on how much they eat, and on how frequently your hens lay eggs.

Its complicated.

but as you've noted, its hard to maintain separate feed programs in a mixed age flock, and its a hassle to keep multiple feeds on hand. Much easier for the typical backyard flock owner to go for an "all flock/flock raiser" feed and free choice oyster shell on the side for birds wanting extra calcium.

 

[Brooks_]

damaging to the liver

I don't think it matters a whole lot, bad is bad. But for accuracy, kidneys.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Damn it, yes KIDNEYS!!!! I corrected someone just a day or three ago on that, and now I'm doing it. Thank you @BrooksHatlen

I liken it to cigarette smoking. Not immediately fatal, but given the choice, why would you?

 

[Brooks_]

Damn it, yes KIDNEYS!!!! I corrected someone just a day or three ago on that, and now I'm doing it.

I think the liver being the primary filtering organ is just hard-wired in our brains. It just slips out, even when we know better.