2% How big of a differance can it be ??

[giasmom]

I bought some 11 mo old BR layers today that have been eating 18% layer feed. All my local feed store carries is 16% layer feed. How big of a differance is 2% ? Will this effect the hens ? the eggs ? Or do I need to cheat on my local feed store & buy 18% somewhere else ? Wait ,they do sell a , mini layer feed 22%, !6, 18 , 22 ?????????? HELP

 

[silkiechicken]

16% would be fine. 18% would be useful if they are moulting, and the 22 is good if they are moulting very heavy or in the winter if they are getting lots of corn. How big a difference it makes may depend on what else they get to eat and how much of it they are eating.

 

[Dawn419]

Wait ,they do sell a , mini layer feed 22%, !6, 18 , 22 ?????????? HELP

What do you mean by "mini layer feed"?

We raise Banties and they used to be on a larger pelleted feed, which they ate with no problem.


Dawn​

 

[giasmom]

Dawn 419, All I know is that the owner said they sell a mini layer feed that is 22% and most people use it for game birds .

 

[Dawn419]

Quote:
Thanks giasmom!

I know what you are talking about now as I bought in the 22% gamebird feed when I tried hatching out Red Pheasant eggs early last year.

I've noticed that whenever I change our layer feed for another brand that the percentages change and for consistant laying, it's best if I have some of the "old" feed to mix with the new feed. We just went through a feed change last month where I was out of the "old" completely and the girls took a week off while adjusting to the "new' feed. I'll have to check the %'s in the morning on the feed bags.

I didn't think there would be much of a difference in the girls' schedule since they get alot of kitchen scraps(cooked beef, pork, fish, chicken and/or turkey) and I pick yard greens for them several days a week (dandelion, plantain,clover leaves and chickweed...field greens) but I still had a small drop in production. On top of the feed changes, our weather has been squirrelly here...2 tornado watch/warnings in the last week and chickens hate change so I need to keep better notes as far as what might have happened and why.

Sorry to ramble on...


Dawn

 

[giasmom]

Thats cool ramble away ! I'm all ears (eyes) when it comes to learning about my chickens . THANKS