Advice on layer feed

[norseman521]

Good morning - Im new at raising chickens. I currently have 5 hens (leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger and 2 gold crested legbars). They are all 8-10 months old; 4 of them are laying everyday. I am feeding Country Companion Hi Pro layer feed with a bowl of oyster shell on the side. We treat with soldier fly larvae. None of them hjave molted yet. Any advice on what Im feeding and how Im caring for them is gretaly appreciated.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Welcome to the site!

I know several members choose to feed all-flock instead of layer feed, while providing oyster shell on the side. This makes the food accessible for anyone that isn't laying (like roosters or new chicks). But if your flock is full of laying hens, there's nothing wrong with using layer feed.

Definitely be mindful of the black solider fly larvae. It was a favorite treat here as well, but it's quite fatty. I limit to 1 tablespoon a bird when offered and don't offer it every day.

 

[norseman521]

Thank you for the timely reply and useful information!

 

[SourRoses]

Welcome! I like your username.

We feed Flock Raiser / All Flock (20% protein), with Oyster shell on the side.
But I see the layer you've chosen says high protein? (what percentage?) That's one point in it's favor.

As long as your hens are in lay, it's fine to feed them layer. The problems come in when they aren't laying (such as molt, or winter), or if you add new pullets to the flock. Too much calcium (4% in layer) can build up and harm their organs. About 1% calcium is appropriate for non-laying chickens.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Guaranteed Analysis

• Nutrient: Level
• Crude Protein (Min): 21.0%
• Lysine (Min): 1.0%
• Methionine (Min): 0.32%
• Crude Fat (Min) 3.0%
• Crude Fiber (Max) 4.5%
• Calcium (Min): 3.45% - (Max): 3.95%
• Phosphorus (Min) 0.9%
• Salt (Min) 0.3% - (Max): 0.45%
• Sodium (Min): 0.15% - (Max): 0.18%
• Vitamin A (Min): 4,500 IU/lb
• Vitamin D3 (Min): 1,500 IU/lb

This should be what the label on that feed looks like. Looks good to me. I'd continue the oyster shell on the side but would not expect them to eat a lot of it.