Is 20% protein too much for pullets and laying hens?

[Amelise]

(I understand this has been discussed before, but I would like to know what ya'll suggest for my specific situation).
I have 3 Ameraucana pullets that will be laying this spring and a 3 year old E.E hen who is probably close to not laying anymore. I decided to go the method of buying Purina's Flock Raiser and supplementing calcium on the side. They are both on flock raiser right now even though the pullets have not moved in with the hen yet.
Anyways, I noticed that it has 20% protein, whereas I heard that most laying hens need around 17-18% protein?? I also read on Purina's website about their Flock Raiser that it's typically used to grow broiler hens. My chickens are my pets and I'm aiming for a long life rather than higher egg or meat production. Will feeding them something meant for growing broiler chickens be harmful to them in the long run? I've heard a lot of different opinions on how much protein chickens need so I'm confused as to what feed is best for my flock of 3 young pullets and an almost non-laying hen.
What feed do you guys use for a mixed flock of pullets, layers, and non laying hens in it? If need be, are there any lower protein flock raiser/mixed flock/all flock feeds? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Brooks_]

I use flock raiser for all, for all life stages.

 

[Amelise]

I use flock raiser for all, for all life stages.

So 20% is an ok amount, it would have to be more than that to cause health issues like kidney failure?

 

[Painted Calls]

So 20% is an ok amount, it would have to be more than that to cause health issues like kidney failure?

It's the calcium that hurts the kidneys. Not the protein.

 

[Brooks_]

So 20% is an ok amount, it would have to be more than that to cause health issues like kidney failure?

20% is a fine amount.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

You will find that many folks here on BYC feed a flock raiser/all flock type of feed and aim for about 20% protein in their feed. The 16% protein in most layer feeds is an absolute minimum amount of protein that chickens need. I, too, use Purina Flock Raiser with calcium on the side for my flock.

 

[Amelise]

You will find that many folks here on BYC feed a flock raiser/all flock type of feed and aim for about 20% protein in their feed. The 16% protein in most layer feeds is an absolute minimum amount of protein that chickens need. I, too, use Purina Flock Raiser with calcium on the side for my flock.

Ok! Glad to know I got the right feed.

 

[Brooks_]

Ok! Glad to know I got the right feed.

Among the mass produced feeds, it is likely the best.

 

[Tonyroo]

High protein improves the well being of any birds health.

Most feed bags are based on the (minimum) value of ingredients that can be sold legally.

 

[aart]

I decided to go the method of buying Purina's Flock Raiser and supplementing calcium on the side.

I have used this for 9 years....hatch to harvest or beyond.
One thing that decided it for me was that I could give some(very little) other foods without reducing the protein levels. I give some scratch grains daily in a ratio that brings the protein level into the high teens.