All Flock Higher Protein Feed vs. Layer Feed

[Bear4boo]

We were using layer feed for our hens until we got baby chicks. We then switched all of them to starter/grower feed and supplemental calcium is always available. Now that all of the hens are laying we are trying to decide if we should switch them all over to layer feed or stay with a higher protein feed with supplemented calcium?
I know people do it both ways and I’ve love to hear your thoughts based on your own experiences as to which seems to work best.

 

[MysteryChicken]

We were using layer feed for our hens until we got baby chicks. We then switched all of them to starter/grower feed and supplemental calcium is always available. Now that all of the hens are laying we are trying to decide if we should switch them all over to layer feed or stay with a higher protein feed with supplemented calcium?
I know people do it both ways and I’ve love to hear your thoughts based on your own experiences as to which seems to work best.

High protein has more benefits then layer feed.
Layer isn't formulated for Heritage type chickens, only high Production egg layers, that are hybrids like red Sex-link varieties.

 

[Krux5506]

One of the biggest things I've learned from this forum is how many people (on here) go with a higher protein feed with shell on the side rather than layer. Layer feeds often can be deficient in certain things. Whenever I see someone brag about how cheap their feed is, usually one look at the nutrition label tells the complete story.

That's definitely not to say all layer feeds are bad though. The brand I buy has a solid layer feed but I opt for their chick feed mainly because it's 22% protein and actually a bit cheaper than their layer, so why not.

 

[red horse ranch]

I only use All Flock for my chickens and guineas. Roosters and male guineas should not have layer mix because the extra calcium can cause leg problems in males. I keep oyster shell handy for the females.

 

[SueT]

20% all flock here, all chickens, all ages. Oyster shell on side.
Currently buying Kalmbach Flock Maker, they love it, never waste any.

 

[texsuze]

Purina All Flock fed here. Oyster shells and clean, crushed eggshells provided free-choice in separate bowls. As some of my hens age out of laying I don't want to be swapping feeds around all the time.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also use Purina all flock.
It serves the needs of my multi age flock and my rooster.
Oyster shell on the side of course.

I also have less worry about nutritional imbalance due to summer extras they get.

 

[Cindy in PA]

You can find good layer formulas with higher protein like Kalmbach's Full Plume & Feather Feed at 20% or Purina's High protein Layer feed at 19%. I go back & forth even with a rooster. My hens devour oyster shell either way. Way back in 1993 I articles suggested 21%-layer feed & back then they had it at Agway.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

All Flock, 20%. I have a mixed flock. One rooster. Old hens, spent and not laying. Pullets at Point of lay. Twelve layers. Oyster shell and grit on the side in separate containers. Afternoon snack of scratch, BOSS, dried mealworms. Everybody is well and happy.

 

[Happy hen lover]

We were using layer feed for our hens until we got baby chicks. We then switched all of them to starter/grower feed and supplemental calcium is always available. Now that all of the hens are laying we are trying to decide if we should switch them all over to layer feed or stay with a higher protein feed with supplemented calcium?
I know people do it both ways and I’ve love to hear your thoughts based on your own experiences as to which seems to work best.

I use 2 feeders , 1 with all flock and one small feeder with layer feed they all eat both. I'd stay with the starter and calcium.