I also feed an all-flock diet with oyster shell on the side, and like that it's 20% protein rather than 16%, and my flock ranges when there's not snow on the ground, so fresh goodies are also available. I always check the date on the feed bag, and won't buy anything older than four or five weeks from the mill. It's then fed within a few weeks, so fresh. Chickens aren't selected for longevity by either hatchery or most other breeders, because it's most economical to collect eggs from hens that are one year old. Very few will be even two, much less older. I value my older hens, and have a few live to be ten. Are they still productive? Not then, but they've earned a place, especially because they were laying some for many years, may have raised chicks, and contribute to flock 'culture' and security. In short, If you want to develop a flock of chickens that are healthy and productive for more than one year, select your breeders from those two or three year old birds that are still healthy and productive. There aren't short-cuts in this! I don't breed sickly birds, am paranoid about biosecurity, and have fun! Mary
