junebuggena
Crowing
Barley, sunflower seeds, and garden greens are not great sources of protein. Layer feed has just barely enough protein in it to support laying. When fed with other things, you run a very real risk of the birds getting protein deficient. That can lead to feather picking and egg eating, both of which can be very difficult behaviors to stop. A grower, all flock, or flock raiser feed has a higher protein content to help balance the overall intake. They will still lay just as well, if not better, on a feed other than layer. There is no magic ingredient in layer feed that makes them lay. For most backyard flock keepers, layer feed is actually not an appropriate feed at all. It's great if it's the only thing you offer your birds, with very limited treats. But if you free range, or offer lots of extras or treats, you need to balance the lower protein levels of the treats, with a high protein feed and supplement calcium with crushed oyster shell.
