Separate food for separate age groups

[Amazonlover]

Hi all, just curious how do people advise handling food when integrating young pullets into a flock of adults? I have a two young chicks (one hatched 4/12, one hatched 4/23), 5 adult hens (around 18-22 months old), and a treadle feeder that can only have pellets in it. I know the chicks/pullets cannot be put on layer feed until they are old enough to lay, so how do I feed everyone when they’re integrated?

 

[cavemanrich]

Do as I do. Feed them Alflock,, It is a feed that is 2% calcium. Have supplemental calcium available free-choice,, like oyster shells. (crushed).,, Or a supply of crushed/cracked egg shell. I just recycle all my egg shell in the run by just stepping on with shoe. I know some peeps go to lengths of baking their egg shells. I don't see that as necessary.
Also good for Rooster feed.
My reason for use. I have layers, and older hens that are non-layers.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Amazonlover]

Thanks! Can the chicks/pullets have the 2% calcium in their diet? I thought you weren’t supposed to give them calcium?

 

[cavemanrich]

Chicks do need calcium in their diet,, They are growing bones.
It is the amount that is in question.
Layer feed is 4% calcium,, needed to produce egg shells.
Alflock,, is 2% calcium,,, which is correct for all other flock animals for regular daily living.

 

[cavemanrich]

BTW,, small chicks need crumbles, not pellets. When they grow out some,, then give them pellets.
If all you have is pellets,,, I suggest you crush those into finer/smaller particles for them.

 

[Amazonlover]

Chicks do need calcium in their diet,, They are growing bones.
It is the amount that is in question.
Layer feed is 4% calcium,, needed to produce egg shells.
Alflock,, is 2% calcium,,, which is correct for all other flock animals for regular daily living.

Ah, ok-thanks! And I’ve got crumbles for now, but would like to switch them to pellets at around 8 weeks, if possible

 

[rosemarythyme]

A lot of all flocks are around 1% calcium which is same as chick feed.

Simple rule is always feed whatever the youngest are eating. If you want to switch feeds for the whole group as they grow that's up to you, but unmedicated chick feed with calcium supplemented on the side is perfectly fine for their whole lives as well.

8 week olds can eat pellets as long as the pellets aren't very large and the chicks aren't very small.

 

[Amazonlover]

A lot of all flocks are around 1% calcium which is same as chick feed.

Simple rule is always feed whatever the youngest are eating. If you want to switch feeds for the whole group as they grow that's up to you, but unmedicated chick feed with calcium supplemented on the side is perfectly fine for their whole lives as well.

8 week olds can eat pellets as long as the pellets aren't very large and the chicks aren't very small.

Thank you @rosemarythyme! Quick question, in case you happen to know-is medicated feed ok for adult hens? The chicks are on medicated starter, and will be until they turn 7 or 8 weeks. After that I will try to incorporate them into the flock and not sure if I’ll need to continue them on medicated feed.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you @rosemarythyme! Quick question, in case you happen to know-is medicated feed ok for adult hens? The chicks are on medicated starter, and will be until they turn 7 or 8 weeks. After that I will try to incorporate them into the flock and not sure if I’ll need to continue them on medicated feed.

Assuming the "medication" is an anti coccidiostat, for short term use it's fine for adults and chicks to be on medicated feed. It does not impact eggs.

Keep in mind that medicated feed does nothing at all if chicks aren't exposed to coccidiosis (i.e. kept indoors in a very clean brooder). It's not a pretreatment, it will only starve out the parasite if it's present. So if anything the medicated feed is better for when they're actually outside and among the other birds.

 

[Amazonlover]

Assuming the "medication" is an anti coccidiostat, for short term use it's fine for adults and chicks to be on medicated feed. It does not impact eggs.

Keep in mind that medicated feed does nothing at all if chicks aren't exposed to coccidiosis (i.e. kept indoors in a very clean brooder). It's not a pretreatment, it will only starve out the parasite if it's present. So if anything the medicated feed is better for when they're actually outside and among the other birds.

Oh wow, I did not know that! Well, hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be able to bring them outside for a bit. Thanks for the tip!