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- #11
One Lucky Momma
Chicken Kisser
In general it is recommended that chicks intended for egg layers be raised on 20-22% protein feed from ages 1-8 weeks, decreasing to a grower feed at a 16-17% protein level from ages 9-18 weeks. Once they are ready to start laying, switch to a layer feed ranging from 16-18% protein. You can also use an all-flock feed providing free choice oyster shells and/or egg shells in a separate container. By using all flock feed it keeps your roo from eating too much calcium and will make your life easier if you ever decide to hatch chicks using a mama hen, which I can elaborate more on if you're interested but that's more than you were asking lol.
thanks. I really appreciate the feedback on KOFFI, they sounded like a company I’d want to do business with.23% is a little high for egg layer chicks who are slower growing than meat birds.
Like the other posters said, keeping them on the starter feed until they start laying is fine. I actually feed the 18% starter year around because I have a mixed flock of ages, genders, and species.
As for KOFFI, I have bought alot of their feed products in the past. They are a good company.
23% sounded high to me, too, the more I read. I have 50 pounds of the stuff and 13 birds so am now trying to do the math on reducing the protein. Found something called Pearson‘s square. Thinking maybe oatmeal.
Do you have any other suggestions? I ferment their mash. In a week or so they will be moving into a coop/run arrangement with a large area of green forage.
Thanks very much.