Best brand to encourage laying?

[heather134]

I've got 10 hens - 4 are new and are a few weeks away from starting to lay, the others are between 4-7 years. One that's 4 or 5 is consistently laying daily, the oldest tries to lay but when she does it's a really soft egg so I'm not concerned about her. The others that are around 4 years were decent layers until a week or two before I introduced the newbies. Now they're laying nothing. It's a bit annoying to be feeding 10 hens and get one egg a day!!

They don't seem to be sick - and about once a month I put apple cider vinegar in their water and diatomaceous earth in their food to prevent worms and such.
They have access to oyster shells but they haven't been eating it lately. In the summer they get vegetable and grain scraps several times a week and rarely get scratch and mealworms. I'm using layer feed (16%) and the brand Producer's Pride. Would a different brand be a better choice?

(and PS - because they were so mean to the young'uns I was trying to get rid of the non egg layers but haven't had any luck. Don't have the heart to kill them myself. I think I've stopped the egg eater though. It was very annoying for her to eat the only egg I was getting each day!)

 

[cavemanrich]

There is no magic bullet to get hens to lay. Your feed sounds OK, although I thing 18% protein would be my choice. That is what I use,,,, but its Alflock, and only 2% calcium. Reason;; I have layers and non layers. I offer Oyster shells free-choice.

I was trying to get rid of the non egg layers but haven't had any luck. Don't have the heart to kill them myself.

If I was closer to you I would adopt and rescue those geriatric non layers from you. My current oldest just passed 9 years in April. Still lays occasionally.

Consider increasing some protein into their diet. My chickens raid the cats food dishes when possible. (view Avatar) and those cats are feral rescues also. ,,
You don't need to overdo it, but some dry cat food would not hurt your flock. Then see if egg production increases.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[EllieandOlive]

I've also heard dry cat (or kitten) food can provide a boost/kickstart for laying issues.

 

[aart]

I've also heard dry cat (or kitten) food can provide a boost/kickstart for laying issues.

Sometimes used for an extra protein boost, not to start laying,
and not really healthy for the birds.