All Flock Higher Protein Feed vs. Layer Feed

[Folly's place]

The original jungle fowl hens may have produced 30 eggs each year. And they ate lots of bugs, no doubt, anything they could catch out there.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

I’m curious, what do wild chickens do for calcium?

Lots of insects, and I've seen my birds crunch on snail shells as well. Even noticed them eating bits of crayfish carapace (looks like a raccoon ate some under a tree and the chickens have picked over the remnants). They'll also instinctively eat broken eggshells. In areas rich in limestone they can eat some of that too.

 

[Bawkbok]

Does anyone know why Kalmbach puts Diatomaceous Earth in their feed and is this a concern? We currently feed Kalmbach but I'm searching for a new brand for this reason. Thoughts?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Does anyone know why Kalmbach puts Diatomaceous Earth in their feed and is this a concern? We currently feed Kalmbach but I'm searching for a new brand for this reason. Thoughts?

It's used to help keep it dry and keep bugs out. I am sure I read years ago more reasons.

 

[Bawkbok]

So does that mean other feeds without it get moldy faster? I had an impression that chickens breathing or eating too much DE was detrimental to their health? The food confusion continues.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The amount used in animal feed is very small. It's also an anti-clumping agent that helps the feed flow in the silos.

 

[Bawkbok]

The amount used in animal feed is very small. It's also an anti-clumping agent that helps the feed flow in the silos.

Thank you for the explanation.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thank you for the explanation.

I wouldn't switch feeds just because it's in there. Many feed companies use an anti-clumping agent.

 

[Bawkbok]

I wouldn't switch feeds just because it's in there. Many feed companies use an anti-clumping agent.

ok, we're currently feeding Kalmbach 18% starter for the pullets ages 5 months and 7 months. We have about 25lbs of feed left in the bag. I was thinking we should switch to an all flock of 20% protein after the bag is finished to get them off the grower feed. I never know the right choice when it comes to feed.

 

[21hens-incharge]

ok, we're currently feeding Kalmbach 18% starter for the pullets ages 5 months and 7 months. We have about 25lbs of feed left in the bag. I was thinking we should switch to an all flock of 20% protein after the bag is finished to get them off the grower feed. I never know the right choice when it comes to feed.

There are a lot of options and it can be confusing for sure.

They can eat the starter their whole lives or you can switch if you choose to.
I myself feed a 20% all flock since I have a rooster and many old birds that don't lay anymore.

Is there a nutritional reason you want to or need to switch?