All flock?

[Jdutton24]

Have silkie bantams and Easter eggers. Chicks currently. Was thinking of using an all flock 20% protein and having oyster shell available at all times. My concern is the first ingredient in the feed I thought about going with when they become old enough is processed grain by products. They will be free range most of the time but still wanted to supplement with a good food. But really don't want to order online but if it's on Amazon maybe a possibility. But all the feed on Amazon is way higher. Should I use a layer feed and not have the oyster shell or still go with an all flock for higher protein? There maybe a rooster in the mix since some are straight run

 

[Trimurtisan]

I do not use a layer feed at all. I use both all flock and 21% game feed with oyster shell at free will. They get a hardy breakfast and then free range the rest of their food.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Males are not layers, nor are any birds, regardless of sex, not currently building egg shells. Those birds shouldn't eat layer feed.

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Purina's Flock Raiser, with oyster shell on the side for my actively laying hens. All my birds eat it, chicks on up. You won't need a layer feed for them.
If you might have a problem with coccidiosis, then start the chicks with a chick started including amprolium, for their first eight weeks, until they've been out there on your soil for a couple of weeks.
Your brand choice depends on what's available FRESH at your local feed stores! Here, it's Purina, and it's been fine. ALWAYS check the mill date on each bag of feed before you buy it (impossible if ordering online!) and it's best to get something within one month of milling, and use it up within another month or six weeks.
I've recently seen chicken feeds with mill dates in 2018 at two of my local feed stores!!! Chicks might die eating that stuff!
Just be aware...
Mary

 

[Jdutton24]

So is the best way
20 % protein starter grower till they start to lay then switch to flock maintainer or 16% 20% protein with shells available? Is 16 enough?

 

[Trimurtisan]

So is the best way
20 % protein starter grower till they start to lay then switch to flock maintainer or 16% 20% protein with shells available? Is 16 enough?

16% is layer feed percentages. In general, you can start them on a high protien of 20%, 21% and continue to feed it all the time. I start my chicks on a 21% game feed, the same feed the adults get. I use all flock with it for my adults as I have a mixed flock with 4 different species. You don't technically need a starrett feed. The only time I would use a specialized starter feed is if it was something like what Mary brought up.

you might have a problem with coccidiosis, then start the chicks with a chick started including amprolium, for their first eight weeks, until they've been out there on your soil for a couple of weeks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can check these charts for the nutrient requirements of various types and ages.
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g8352

 

[ChickNanny13]

@Kiki has a Feed Comparison Chart she made up in the article section.

I stopped feeding layer few years ago, do as @Folly's place does, Flock Raiser with an separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying, oh yea grit in an other dish too. Never had a laying issue nor problems with egg shells. There was a thread about how the more protein vs layer feed, I agree ... An egg is protein & it's a process for the layer to lay ... Layer has only 16% protein and extra calcium, probably cost more too.

 

[Folly's place]

Layer feeds are generally less expensive, but I don't like the 16% protein and higher calcium level, as I'm feeding birds of all ages, males, and females not in lay. Also, when they are eating other stuff, that 16% protein gets pretty skimpy.
Mary

 

[Kiki]

I keep an all hen flock.
I prefer to feed layer type feeds only.
My chickens are almost 4 years old and they are all still laying.

There is a link to my Google sheet below in my signature.
If you cannot see signatures on your phone turn it sideways and they should show up.