Newbie Needs HELP!! Feeding Pullets and Older Hens

[naznaz11]

I have been feeding my baby chickens Scratch and Peck Naturally Free Starter. It is 100% organic and corn and soy free. it has

• 20.5% Protein
• 4% Fat
• 5.6% Fiber

Once my baby chickens are fully grown into hens, will it be safe if I just feed them this starter feed for the rest of their lives? I have a big backyard and plenty of space for them to roam. There is plenty of dirt and rocks too for grit. I will also give them calcium from eggs shells once in a while too.

Again, is it safe if I just give them this starter feed? I have heard that the layers and grower feeds have less protein and therefore will cause problems once the hens are bigger.

thanks!

https://www.farmstore.com/product/scratch-and-peck-naturally-free-starter-40-lb/

 

[FuzzyCritters]

Yes, it is safe. If you decide to feed them this, they need oyster shell available all the time, not just once in a while.

 

[naznaz11]

Yes, it is safe. If you decide to feed them this, they need oyster shell available all the time, not just once in a while.

thank you for your fast reply!

should i just crush up the eggs shells into powder and put it in a different container next to their starter feed?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You'll need more than egg shells. Either oyster shell, or some layer feed mixed in as well. Every time they lay an egg it uses up calcium - if you then feed back the shell, they don't get 100% of the calcium they output, back in, so you're losing more and more calcium over time.

Otherwise yes it's safe to feed starter for life if you wish. I do recommend that you serve this feed fermented or at least wet, as the vitamins and proteins which are added to make this a complete feed are in the powdery fines which don't tend to get eaten when served dry.

 

[FuzzyCritters]

thank you for your fast reply!

should i just crush up the eggs shells into powder and put it in a different container next to their starter feed?

Yes, but you need oyster shells as well. Oyster shells are a slow release form of calcium, while egg shells are a fast release form of calcium. The slow release is much better for the hens than having a quick burst of calcium. Mixing the two works well so the hens can choose what they want at the moment.

 

[TOR]

From what I have read laying hens need 16 percent protein. Your kinda throwing away the extra protein.
Layer feed will have calcium in it.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

You'll need more than egg shells. Either oyster shell, or some layer feed mixed in as well. Every time they lay an egg it uses up calcium - if you then feed back the shell, they don't get 100% of the calcium they output, back in, so you're losing more and more calcium over time.

Otherwise yes it's safe to feed starter for life if you wish. I do recommend that you serve this feed fermented or at least wet, as the vitamins and proteins which are added to make this a complete feed are in the powdery fines which don't tend to get eaten when served dry.

X2

 

[Tonyroo]

I feed my hens 22% protein feed mixed with layer pellets and they also have crushed oyster shells. But I never see them take the shells but it's there for them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

From what I have read laying hens need 16 percent protein. Your kinda throwing away the extra protein.
Layer feed will have calcium in it.

16% is considered minimum, and many people find their flocks do better on more protein, like around 18% or more.

 

[naznaz11]

Yes, but you need oyster shells as well. Oyster shells are a slow release form of calcium, while egg shells are a fast release form of calcium. The slow release is much better for the hens than having a quick burst of calcium. Mixing the two works well so the hens can choose what they want at the moment.

so should i mix 50% starter with 50% layer and add some eggs shells on the side.

would be suffice?