Grower or layer feed for mixed age flock?

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gabbondante

gabbondante

In the Brooder
6 Years
Jan 6, 2014
17
2
32
I have a flock of 6 pullets - 4 are apprx 18 weeks (EE pullet recently began laying) and 2 that are apprx 14 weeks. Can I continue to provide grower feed while offering oyster shells/egg shells for my layers? Also, it's pretty hot here in NJ and I have read that providing grower feed during hot weather is optimal for all pullets/hens so they get the necessary protein while eating less.
 
Hey, I'd be really interested if someone would offer some advice here too as I have 3 different "p.o.l" ladies which I brought home from the local auction last weekend. 1 is in lay already though and produced two lovely eggs in the last 3 days (light sussex also the boss!) .
Feeling my other two have a few weeks to go! 20 kgs of grower too lol. Can I supplement the laying hen naturally?
Cheers if you reply! X
 
A lot of folks who keep mixed flocks use the grower feed plus calcium (oyster shell) approach - myself included. Honestly, even without the mixed flock aspect I prefer the higher protein content of a grower diet.
 
I am very interested in this topic as well... I have 2 pullets that are due to start laying any day now. And I have 4 that are only at 3 months old. All of them free-range during the day and are on Scratch and Peck Grower feed. But I am confused as how to keep their food separate once my oldest two start laying and need the extra calcium layer feed. I see that some people have recommended supplementing with a bowl of oyster shells.. Will the two girls that need the calcium know to eat the oyster shells while the other 4 yougsters stay away? Or will the younger 4 eat the extra calcium as well?
 
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You don't need to keep feed separate. Layer feed isn't magical, it simply has additional calcium and lower protein than grower. It's formulated to meet the minimum needs for the majority of hens in production. I'm also in the club that doesn't feed layer at all, I feed everyone all-in-one. It's higher protein, lower calcium, and I feed it to everyone from new chicks to mature hens to roosters. I offer egg shells and oyster shell on the side for my layers. Roosters and young birds just aren't interested in the calcium supplements. The younger chicks try it, but don't really eat any. The roosters know the hens like it, so call them for the treat, but the roosters themselves don't as a rule eat any either. Just not to their taste, I guess.
 

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