All this chicken feed stuff is getting complicated!

[Going Quackers]

Now a rather interesting point has been risen, about roos eating layer.. i understood it was a non issue?? Now i know with drakes it's a debatable topic so i opt not too. I don't own roos right now but the silkies coming will no doubt have a few there lol so it's similar to the drakes? they should not have it?

My current chickens are using an 18% flock raiser free choice oyster shell, they are doing just fine but i thought i'd transition to a layer as more hens will be coming, that said if the calcium issue comes into play with roos perhaps i am best to not do this??

OP, i do get where your coming from, some days.. i feel the same way BUT i also got some ducks about 6/7mths of age, fed nothing but cracked corn, they look way better now... we've had them almost 2yrs as i use complete feeds, i think today the completes offer the ability to get longer life and better health from your birds. Better production too, i do think things are a bit over thought mind you and i am guilty of it too lol but the advances in poultry feeds are not something to be dismissed they do improve things than the old timers feed methods but options were fewer then to begin with.

You have to find mid ground between becoming to overly modern( ie; extreme) and outdated...

 

[Going Quackers]

I wonder with the calcium, do they just suck it from the bodies and eventually become depleted ... in other words strong eggs could occur for awhile then all heck breaks loose... deficiencies usually take time to show up they happen gradually not overnight.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Layer feed has more calcium than a rooster needs and over time this can cause serious health problem like kidney failure. But, it is slowly over a long period of time, so it really depends on your goals for your flock. I personally don't like layer feed and would rather all of my birds regulate their own calcium but there is a convenience factor and some people like it better.

The negative effects of too much calcium are much greater on young birds than on an adult rooster. If you plan on only keeping them a few years it will likely not be apparent. If you want ultimate health and longevity it may be best to avoid.

 

[Going Quackers]

Layer feed has more calcium than a rooster needs and over time this can cause serious health problem like kidney failure. But, it is slowly over a long period of time, so it really depends on your goals for your flock. I personally don't like layer feed and would rather all of my birds regulate their own calcium but there is a convenience factor and some people like it better.

The negative effects of too much calcium are much greater on young birds than on an adult rooster. If you plan on only keeping them a few years it will likely not be apparent. If you want ultimate health and longevity it may be best to avoid.

Alright so basically similar mindset with the drakes. Interesting, as an article i read recently stated it was fine, which i did wonder hmmm but perhaps because most just eat the roos, so long term is not important, these silkies are my oldest kids pets so that won't be happening lol

Your thoughts on layer in general, are intriguing as i said none is here... the ducks because of the drakes and the chickens well with only 4 they tagged along with the ducks feed regime.

I think i will stick with my flock raiser/grower plans, oyster shell is easy enough to provide and i have it here already with the ducks needing it.

 

[Child of Noah]

My husband recently added ducklings to our mix. This was a very good thread, and informative! I was actually wondering about these very things. I have chickens which I believe are all hens - though I might have one rooster (they are only seven weeks old at this point). We also have 1 week old ducklings (genders unknown).
My chickens are already free ranging, and my ducks will be too when they go outside.
So, to make everyone happy and healthy can I just supplement their diet with starter/grower for ducks and chickens for their whole lives, and supply also a bit of oyster shell for those who need it?

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I don't know anything about ducks but for chickens, Yep. That is exactly what I do. Pick a non-medicated starter, a grower, or a flock raiser that has a protein percentage you are happy with and just add calcium on the side for your layers and you are all set for any age or gender and for when they molt and what not.

 

[Going Quackers]

My husband recently added ducklings to our mix. This was a very good thread, and informative! I was actually wondering about these very things. I have chickens which I believe are all hens - though I might have one rooster (they are only seven weeks old at this point). We also have 1 week old ducklings (genders unknown).
My chickens are already free ranging, and my ducks will be too when they go outside.
So, to make everyone happy and healthy can I just supplement their diet with starter/grower for ducks and chickens for their whole lives, and supply also a bit of oyster shell for those who need it?

Pretty much, i just have a bowl of oyster shell rarely have a seen a drake touch it, they seem to know they don't need it. The hens(chickens) i give them the oyster shell too since their on a flock raiser and not layer, now i should mention if you use a chick starter the ducks will need added niacin as they have higher requirements than chicks do.

 

[ladymama]

Thank you ChickensRDinos. Lots of info out there and I feel like I have barely scratched the surface. Seems that common sense is the best approach. Nothing on my property that I couldn't eat, not that I would, so my chickens and my pocket book will continue to benefit from all the free food.

 

[countrygirl74]

My husband recently added ducklings to our mix. This was a very good thread, and informative! I was actually wondering about these very things. I have chickens which I believe are all hens - though I might have one rooster (they are only seven weeks old at this point). We also have 1 week old ducklings (genders unknown).
My chickens are already free ranging, and my ducks will be too when they go outside.
So, to make everyone happy and healthy can I just supplement their diet with starter/grower for ducks and chickens for their whole lives, and supply also a bit of oyster shell for those who need it?

Yes, you can feed the grower to the ducks too and add a side of oyster shell. Ducks are piggies! I let mine forage (supervised free-range around the yard) as much as I can to help out with their feed. All my chickens and ducks eat the same thing and my two pekins lay nice big healthy eggs every day. We also have a couple Rouens - one is a drake (so I didn't want the calcium for him) and the female Rouen should start laying anytime. It is amazing how they know whether or not to consume the oyster shell...

 

[Going Quackers]

It is amazing how they know whether or not to consume the oyster shell...

It is but perhaps when left with a more natural approach(ie, finding it vs it being in the feed) instinct takes over.