16 or 17 or 19 % layer feed

[Stepnout]

Why would I chose one percent protein over another? I have a mixed flock of 6. we have colder winters here.
I have 3 choices of Layer feed from the same supplier. My pullets have done well from the chick starter at the breeder and chick grower and now they are being transitioned to 50/50 grower/layer 17 % with free choice oyster shells. They also are in a chicken tractor and are moved to fresh grass every second day.
Thanks

 

[Kiki]

What breeds do you have?

 

[Helloworld]

To increase amino acids for egg laying in the spring which make heavier eggs and warmth in the winter.

Meat birds for muscle.

Increased under 16 weeks to avoid stunted bone growth.

Protein greatly affects hatch rate. Too much and hatch rates go way down. This is why I do not buy hatching eggs. I do not know how much protein that person has been consistently feeding except a 50% hatch rate is about 16% if nothing changes in feed routine. When I do increase protein 4 weeks before egg laying, about 18% with calf mana, I get 95% hatch rate and darker shells.

I stay with a 16% layer once past 24 weeks and suppliment with calf mana.

We also force molt and get it out of the way so their energy is saved for egg laying, which helps me to be able to decrease the amount of feed needed to feed.

If your chickens are in a tractor, you don’t need to suppliment calcium.

 

[Stepnout]

What breeds do you have?

All crosses, Easter Eggers and some others. The one that looks like a light Sussex has laid every day for almost 3 weeks. I have one laying 5 green eggs per week and one laid 2 blue eggs and I suspect 3 shell less eggs. Not really positive on who’s laying the shell less but I was thinking the green egg layer was a little off yesterday. I have 2 younger birds not red enough and a 22 week old not red but squats.

 

[Melky]

Why would I chose one percent protein over another? I have a mixed flock of 6. we have colder winters here.
I have 3 choices of Layer feed from the same supplier. My pullets have done well from the chick starter at the breeder and chick grower and now they are being transitioned to 50/50 grower/layer 17 % with free choice oyster shells. They also are in a chicken tractor and are moved to fresh grass every second day.
Thanks

I think 16% or 17% layer feed with free choice oyster shell is fine either way. Most hatcheries will tell you 16% is recommended at laying stage (18 weeks) and all you will need. You may want to compare cost to see if there is much of a difference. Sometimes the higher the protein the more expensive it can be. I would take them to 16% myself if all about laying stage. At this point you need lower protein and higher calcium in your layer feed for good egg shell production. Best!

 

[GC-Raptor]

My Golden Comets started to feather pick when I switched to a 16% layers feed at 15 months old, from a 18% layers feed.
I switched back to a 18% feed and the feather picking stopped in about a month.
They are 29 months old now and I am feeding them a 18% Start and Grow feed with Oyster Shells separately. The two hens that are laying give me a dozen eggs a week between them.

I have seven 5 week old Barred Rocks, , and am currently feeding them a 18% Medicated Start and Grow feed and will switch to Non-medicated feed with 18-20% Protein after 10 weeks and will continue to feed 18-20% as adults.

I give daily treats as Scratch Grains or Mixed Bird seed (to my adult hens) scattered over straw in their pen. No treats for my Chicks until 10 weeks to ensure they grow up healthy.
At least one feed manufacturer recommends no treats for 16 weeks. I can't remember who.

If you give high Protein treats or no treats a 16% feed may be adequate for Adult layers
As for me I will give all my Chickens a 18-20% Protein feed. GC

 

[Stepnout]

These shells are tough and I have to hit the egg usually twice with the steel spatula. The inner membrane is like breaking cellophane.

 

[Melky]

View attachment 1541785 These shells are tough and I have to hit the egg usually twice with the steel spatula. The inner membrane is like breaking cellophane.

You have pretty eggs!

 

[Stepnout]

You have pretty eggs!

Thanks, I’m very. I was hoping to have a coloured egg for my granddaughter so far brownish pink, green and blue with 3 more pullets to start we’ve done well.