Best Feed Choice for Mixed Flock

[FluffyButters]

Just looking for feedback, as I have seen and read mixed reviews.

I have 7, 1 year old Hens & a year old Roo, plus 8, 17 week old's & just added 2 Bantam D'uccle's. What is the best feed to give the entire flock?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

The best thing to feed a mixed age and gender flock IMO is a a grower or a flock raiser with 18-20% protein and oyster shell on the side free choice for active layers.

I breed my birds, passionate about nutrition... and feed this way ONLY for many years now... without ANY issue.

It doesn't have too much calcium for birds NOT in lay including chicks, juveniles, broody's roosters, molter's, etc. But still plenty of amino acids to support maturing birds and immunity.

I prefer Purina Flock Raiser since it's always available and with a high enough turn over the mill date is also usually fresh. It has 20% protein. Since switching away from "layer" my birds now have less difficult molts usually returning to lay sooner as they have more nutrients on board to start off with. While it's a tad more costly than layer feed, my flock health seems improved and there's also more nutrients going into the eggs my family is eating. By shopping around and planning ahead... I can save $3 per bag.

Remember... no matter what they call it... layer, starter, grower, all flock, flock raiser, meat bird, etc... the MAIN differences is ALWAYS protein and calcium followed by amino acids. Pick one you like the ingredients on.

Also, don't diminish nutrients by adding excess treats.

Hope this helps.