Feeding Mixed Age Flock

[LAS1315]

Hi! I am getting my newest chicks next week! I have 6 hens about to turn 1 year old. I plan to introduce my chicks to the flock at about a month old. My plan was to switch the whole flock to Nutrena's grower feed and supplement with oyster shell for the big girls.

My question is about switching to LAYER feed. My new girls are mixed breeds - some start laying at 16 weeks and others starting at 20+ weeks (marans). Will those girls be ok getting layer feed earlier or should I wait until the LAST chicken starts laying?

 

[Debbie292d]

I would keep them on grower until the last girl starts laying.

That's healthy for them all!

The other idea is an all-flock, which is for chicks and chickens. We use Kalmbach's Flock Maker for brand new chicks to the adults. The hens get oyster shell.

 

[Daisy June]

I would like to read about all-flock as it might be an option for us. For now, I have 4 - 1yo and 3 - 3+yo. They are all laying. They are getting 16% pellets, which I alternate between dry and fermented. OS and grit are readily available to them all. They forage about two hours per day and get a small healthy snack late in the afternoon (shaved broccoli stems, strawberry tops, salmon/tuna, scrambled eggs, etc.--lots of variety). This snicky-snack helps to get them all back inside.