Newbie Feed question

[Blooie]

You can buy a bag of scratch wherever you buy your chicken food. It clearly says "scratch" on the bag. I have a container that I feed the oyster shell in...just so I can monitor how much they are going though. I did the "mix in the food" thing and found they mostly billed it out to get to the stuff they wanted.

 

[chickens really]

If your Birds are over 18 weeks??? Layer will not hurt them.....Oyster shell and Granite grit free choice at all times in two separate dishes.....
For LAYERS-....Treats at 5% of daily ration....Tablespoon per Bird a day.....

Cheers!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If your Birds are over 18 weeks??? Layer will not hurt them.....Oyster shell and Granite grit free choice at all times in two separate dishes.....
For LAYERS-....Treats at 5% of daily ration....Tablespoon per Bird a day.....

Cheers!

I respectfully disagree with you every time I see you post this.

I know YOU haven't seen the issues, but talk to anyone who has and you might reconsider.

Many layers will NOT start anywhere near 18 weeks. And there is scientific evidence that backs up the higher calcium causing kidney issues long term for non layers. Many of my birds are 28 + weeks and not laying yet heading into the winter. Many birds at 18 weeks are not done growing yet and the lower protein in layer isn't going to benefit them. Nor the higher calcium. My white leghorn that was supposed to start laying at 16 weeks didn't start until 26!

I never mix anything directly into my feed. I always offer separate.

Ultimately we all have to do what is right for us. And I respect that your way is different than mine.

 

[chickens really]

Quote: I respect your input on the topic of feeding Layer after 18 weeks or first Egg.....I have a Friend who's Family owns a Hatchery and raises Birds......I trust they know what they are doing after being in the business for 50 years....I will continue to post my methods and am sorry you disagree so strongly....

Cheers!

 

[Blooie]

I think what we tend to forget is that in a large commercial operation, things are necessarily done differently than the average back yard flock owner does them. So neither way is totally wrong for each situation, and neither way is totally right.

If everyone agreed on the "only" way to do things, this entire web site could be read in half an hour. This forum works because of the diversity of the members and the diversity of ideas, and the courteous exchanges of those ideas. You two just showed that beautifully.

Good for you! That always leaves a good impression on new members!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I respect your input on the topic of feeding Layer after 18 weeks or first Egg.....I have a Friend who's Family owns a Hatchery and raises Birds......I trust they know what they are doing after being in the business for 50 years....I will continue to post my methods and am sorry you disagree so strongly....

Cheers!

I didn't expect you to quit posting. And it's great that your friends family is still in business that long!

We all have different experiences that make us feel the way we do. And I love being a part of the BYC community where we can all share what works or doesn't for us!

I often see us posting on the same threads and think your suggestions are often great. So don't take it in the wrong way please.

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

http://nhjy.hzau.edu.cn/kech/synkx/dong/2bao/UrolithiasisChina.pdf

Lots of people do go by general guidelines, but if you have the knowledge make the best decision you can then why not? Lots of things they do at large hatcheries don't translate to real life. Their birds are expendable (in most cases) and will never make it past molt 1 before being disposed of.

Anyways, no hard feelings... just having a conversation.

 

[chickens really]

Quote: They ship all over Canada.......Anyways....I do stand up for them and myself....I totally get that everyone can do as they see best with their Birds..That is why BYC is here....I only state what works with my flock.....I never wanted to heat things up...Just my way of doing it.....We all like Chickens..Maybe Canadians do things different?? Not sure on that....?

Well, please know I meant zero harm or wanted Conflict....

Happy day to you all..

Cheers!

 

[Blooie]

Wait, wait......no harm no foul here..... (or fowl, if you like puns as much as I do.....) everybody relax! You were both doing a great job of sharing and respecting each other's opinions until it became a "last word" competition. I was just complimenting you two for having different ideas and doing such a good job of sharing them....

Sooooo, to get back to @Deweberbr 's original question... You'll get to know your flock better the longer you do this, and you'll find what works for you, your budget, your birds, and how much time you want to take. There is a very good discussion on feeding on this new topic thread, hosted by Sumi. I'll give you the link and if you just click on it you'll find that lots of us have different ideas, but we all share one thing in common...we all want healthy birds.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1138895/topic-of-the-week-feeding-chickens-what-to-feed-and-when

 

[chickens really]

Thank you @Blooie for your insight.....You must of Been or are a Teacher??

All done....Cheers! @chickens really

 

[Deweberbr]

Thank you
@Blooie

I appreciate all your ideas and insight!!! I will be implementing a lot of these. I love that this site exists and doesn't make people feel dumb for questions. Such a great Chicken community!!!