15 week old chickens on layers pellet

[The Cozy Coop]

Hey Everyone!

So here's my problem, for lord knows how long I've been feeding all my chickens all ages layers pellets. We acquired 4 hens and a rooster upon moving to the farm(they came with it) as well as our chicks we moved with all almost 16 weeks now. My husband bought the last round of feed and scratch and decided (or just didn't realize) and bought two bags and filled both cans with Layers pellets. Clearly as you most know these bags can last so needless to say they've been consuming this along side the snacks and scraps I give them all. Since realizing this I've offered them the growers pellets in which no one is eating. They are clearly happy as can be stressing me out. Now what. I have no interest in separating and forcing it upon them by confinement. They've intregrated well with the flock already on the property, everyone knows their role and are doing well figuring it out. They are also very much content in their daily routine of free ranging out back of the barn. So without confinement I fear there's really no way to ensure they are consuming the growers feed. I'm sure at some point or another way back when farmers threw scratch to their free range chickens without worry of who was getting what and how much. Everyone seems happy, healthy and beautifully proportioned. Should I stop stressing and go with the flow? Thanks!! -Our Cozy Coop

 

[rjohns39]

Hey Everyone!

So here's my problem, for lord knows how long I've been feeding all my chickens all ages layers pellets. We acquired 4 hens and a rooster upon moving to the farm(they came with it) as well as our chicks we moved with all almost 16 weeks now. My husband bought the last round of feed and scratch and decided (or just didn't realize) and bought two bags and filled both cans with Layers pellets. Clearly as you most know these bags can last so needless to say they've been consuming this along side the snacks and scraps I give them all. Since realizing this I've offered them the growers pellets in which no one is eating. They are clearly happy as can be stressing me out. Now what. I have no interest in separating and forcing it upon them by confinement. They've intregrated well with the flock already on the property, everyone knows their role and are doing well figuring it out. They are also very much content in their daily routine of free ranging out back of the barn. So without confinement I fear there's really no way to ensure they are consuming the growers feed. I'm sure at some point or another way back when farmers threw scratch to their free range chickens without worry of who was getting what and how much. Everyone seems happy, healthy and beautifully proportioned. Should I stop stressing and go with the flow? Thanks!! -Our Cozy Coop

Stop stressing is probably the right answer. If you wanted to you could mix some of the grower into the layer, if you do make sure you're offering oyster shell free choice. I find with my birds, once they become accustomed to a particular feed, they don't particularly like change. As I move them from one ration to another (they move in shelters until they're 8 weeks and then free range), I'll start by adding the new feed to their old feed and transition over a few days.

 

[lazy gardener]

They don't like grower pellets most likely b/c they are only 15% protein. Chickens know a good thing when they see it, and grower pellets are not "it". I'd not stress about it. There is evidence out there that the calcium in layer pellets can cause gout in non laying birds, which in turn can affect the kidneys. But, since your birds are so close to POL, my response would be: don't worry about it.

 

[rjohns39]

If you want more thoughts on feed. pm me. But I think you're ok where you are. In a standard starter/grower/broiler ration of one ton, the calcium content is about 25 pounds. In a layer its generally about 100 pounds.

 

[barred2rock]

If you want more thoughts on feed. pm me. But I think you're ok where you are. In a standard starter/grower/broiler ration of one ton, the calcium content is about 25 pounds. In a layer its generally about 100 pounds.

Most layer rations are 2.5 to 3.5% calcium, 5% is a bit high.

 

[lazy gardener]

Most layer rations are 2.5 to 3.5% calcium, 5% is a bit high.

agreed.