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Will it be ok to fed this?

post #1 of 10
Thread Starter 

This is my first time raising chickens, and have a mixed laying flock 12 weeks old. I have been using nutrena start & grow, but wanted to switch to Purina. I bought Flockraiser last night but after reading label realized it is for meat birds with 20% protein. Is it ok to feed to my chooks or should I return it?

1.25 acres filled with 1 wonderful hubby, 3 great stepsons, 2 Rottweilers, 3 horses, and a bunch of chickens!
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1.25 acres filled with 1 wonderful hubby, 3 great stepsons, 2 Rottweilers, 3 horses, and a bunch of chickens!
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post #2 of 10

It's the calcium % is what your concerned about. I have read though, too much protien too fast growth rate in bones that could lead to leg problems. I go 20% starter, 15% grower/finisher, 18% Layer, some folks go with a 20% layer.

WHY DOES LIFE SEEM TO GET IN THE WAY OF LIVING?

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WHY DOES LIFE SEEM TO GET IN THE WAY OF LIVING?

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post #3 of 10

i would feed it....in fact i have

Gig 'em Aggies!  Whoop!
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Gig 'em Aggies!  Whoop!
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post #4 of 10

They will do great on the Flock Raiser. Just remember to provide oyster shell to the girls that are laying age.

post #5 of 10

I've been using Flock Raiser almost from day one because it is the only kind you can buy here that isn't medicated, unless you want to buy 5 lb. bags barnie I will switch to a layer feed when they are old enough.

1 RSL, 2 BSLs, 8 EEs, 3 BOs, 1 NHR, 3 Black Ameraucanas, 2 Delawares, and 1 cat that runs the show.

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1 RSL, 2 BSLs, 8 EEs, 3 BOs, 1 NHR, 3 Black Ameraucanas, 2 Delawares, and 1 cat that runs the show.

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post #6 of 10

Many feed well over 20% protein.  I don't think you need to worry about too much protein causing a problem until you get near 30% and even then a few people on here feed 28%.  If you aren't using layer feed though you should provide some other source of calcium like oyster shell or crushed up egg shells can help.  Since it's a good idea to put out oyster shell just in case even if you are feeding layer it takes no more effort for me.  I use 22% game bird feed for everyone so I don't have to worry about age groups.

post #7 of 10

ive read that the extra protein is good for them because unlike the factory chickens, backyard chickens are outside running after bugs and getting exercise smile

10 layers, 8 Meat Birds  2 Geese , 1 Duck, 2 Bulldogs, 2 Guinea Pigs, 2 Beehives, & Tilapia Fish
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10 layers, 8 Meat Birds  2 Geese , 1 Duck, 2 Bulldogs, 2 Guinea Pigs, 2 Beehives, & Tilapia Fish
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post #8 of 10
Thread Starter 

Ok I feel better now! When should I put out oyster shell, before they start laying? The australorps, golden sex link and welsummers are only 12 weeks now, with a few barred rocks at 10 weeks.

1.25 acres filled with 1 wonderful hubby, 3 great stepsons, 2 Rottweilers, 3 horses, and a bunch of chickens!
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1.25 acres filled with 1 wonderful hubby, 3 great stepsons, 2 Rottweilers, 3 horses, and a bunch of chickens!
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post #9 of 10

I'd buy it, but wait to put it out free choice until, #1 - some are 20 weeks old, OR #2 - you get your first egg, whichever occurs first.

I put crushed oyster shell in an empty tuna can nailed to an inside wall of the coop, near the feeder.  I keep it full.   And I feed all different ages the same feed, grower/finisher (equivalent to FlockRaiser) all the time.   Well, chicks under 8 weeks are kept separately and fed chick starter....   But I have two ducks as well as four different age groups in my flock.

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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post #10 of 10

i use flock raiser , everything els in the store i go to is medicated , they do fine with it

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself , then be crowded on a velvet coushion.
                                                                                                                                    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

mom to 3 (5,4 and 1year olds)  6 RIR, 2 SLW, 2 barred rocks, 4 EE's , 2 BO, 2...
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I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself , then be crowded on a velvet coushion.
                                                                                                                                    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

mom to 3 (5,4 and 1year olds)  6 RIR, 2 SLW, 2 barred rocks, 4 EE's , 2 BO, 2...
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