16% vs 18% All Flock

[jthornton]

While I was at the local farm supply to pick up a sack of starter I noticed they have both 16% and 18% All Flock. I have 9 RIR pullets and 1 Barred Rock rooster to be. The pullets are for friends and eggs unless one gets too bitchy then it's chicken-n-dumplings time. I will have a separate feeder with oyster shell for the layers. So any advice on which one to feed them would help. I also have just started growing wheat fodder for them.

Thanks
JT

 

[Lazy Farmer]

While I was at the local farm supply to pick up a sack of starter I noticed they have both 16% and 18% All Flock. I have 9 RIR pullets and 1 Barred Rock rooster to be. The pullets are for friends and eggs unless one gets too bitchy then it's chicken-n-dumplings time. I will have a separate feeder with oyster shell for the layers. So any advice on which one to feed them would help. I also have just started growing wheat fodder for them.

Thanks
JT

I would say the younger need the higher protein for development. The older should get the lower for sustaining them. Although the higher would be more beneficial this time of year for all ages for feather development to prepare them for the harsh winter conditions coming.

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old are they? If they are over four weeks I'd be happy with either one. If you look at the feed bag most recommend that you start a Grower anywhere from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, depending in the brand. In my opinion make the switch any time after 4 weeks that the bag of feed runs out. Again depending in brand a lot of the grower they recommend you switch to is 16%, though some brands are 18% Grower.

I'm a little surprised you are seeing a 16% All Flock, a lot of times that comes in a 20% protein feed though I think it is a different brand called Flock Raiser. Some people will always recommend you feed a high protein feed, I don't. Feeding them a 18% or 20% All Flock type of feed with oyster shell on the side once they get to laying age will not hurt them at all, they will do fine on that feed. I feed a lower protein feed and I like the results I get.

If they are still growing a higher protein feed will help them grow a little faster and the adults will have a marginally larger body at maturity. To me that's the only difference in the 16%, 18%, or 20% once they get past 4 weeks of age.

 

[jthornton]

How old are they?

They are all 16 weeks old tomorrow. I've been feeding them 18% starter from the get go. I have 1 1/2 bags of that left. One I could take back as I just got it this morning. I thought I read somewhere to feed them starter till they start to lay, just reading the bag (Orschelns brand Country Lane feed) it says to switch to All Flock at 7 weeks...

JT

 

[Ridgerunner]

Personally I'd keep feeding that until you run out. I'm not familiar with that brand, but if you look at the analysis on the label you'll probably find there is not a real significant difference in he nutrients between any of them. Layer is going to have more calcium. You can get different protein per cents. You might see very small differences in some of the other nutrients but in my opinion those are pretty insignificant. If you let then forage for some of their food you can get bigger differences than that based on what they happen to eat that day. They will do fine.

Commercial operations micromanage exactly how much each hen eats in a flock of thousands. They are operating on pretty tight profit margins and really work at it. We don't manage them that tightly so it's not as important to us. Yours will do fine on either of those All Flocks or you could even keep buying that Starter if you really wanted to.

 

[jthornton]

Personally I'd keep feeding that until you run out. I'm not familiar with that brand, but if you look at the analysis on the label you'll probably find there is not a real significant difference in he nutrients between any of them. Layer is going to have more calcium. You can get different protein per cents. You might see very small differences in some of the other nutrients but in my opinion those are pretty insignificant. If you let then forage for some of their food you can get bigger differences than that based on what they happen to eat that day. They will do fine.

Thanks. It's a Midwest farm supply private brand.

JT

 

[song of joy]

They'd do fine on either, but the higher protein feed may get them through a molt a bit faster.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd go with the 18%, all else being equal. I don't think that 16% meets everyone's needs all the time, especially if you feed anything else, or free range.
Then go with fresh! Check the mill date on every bag before you buy it!
Mary

 

[oldrooster]

to the opening poster put oyster shell in an old tuna can and another one full of grit near your feed the hens and rooster when they find them will use either or both as needed and will self regulate depending on what they eat other than the all flock they may never touch the grit but if you feed them scraps or let them free range they may want a little or a lot.

 

[jthornton]

@oldrooster, your link My Coop is broken.

I plan on offering oyster shell didn't think about grit as the chicken yard is all dirt and rock... now.

JT