Can i feed layer pellets to everyone?

[Egg_cited]

I just moved all my cockerals and pullets that are above 18 weeks old on layer pellets. Was that a big mistake? I have two leghorns in there and I read that with to much protein they can get eggbound? The starter I used has 20% protein in it. The layer has 16%.
I wanted only organic feed and couldn't find flock raiser that was. I was wondering if feeding starter would be the same. Now I'm stuck I don't know what to feed them the protein in the starter would be much to much for the leghorns. Even though I give them oyster shells on the side i just don't want them eating all that protein and getting eggbound. On the other hand I keep my birds as pets and want them to live long healthy lives and feeding them layer isn't good for there overall health.

 

[Egg_cited]

Adding to that I was wondering mabey I could actually mix the food? So everyone could get what they need?

 

[Brooks_]

For intents and purposes of this, starter would be the same as all flock. I have not heard of the high protein issue with leghorns. I am not inclined to think that 20% would be the level to cause issue. I would be more concerned about the calcium levels in layer and what it will do to non-layers over protein percent. Perhaps you can find and 18% organic starter and offer oyster shell on the side. With that you will have peace of mind and the birds will have a proper ration.

 

[Egg_cited]

For intents and purposes of this, starter would be the same as all flock. I have not heard of the high protein issue with leghorns. I am not inclined to think that 20% would be the level to cause issue. I would be more concerned about the calcium levels in layer and what it will do to non-layers over protein percent. Perhaps you can find and 18% organic starter and offer oyster shell on the side. With that you will have peace of mind and the birds will have a proper ration.

It won't hurt if I keep on using this food till I find the right one right?

 

[Egg_cited]

For intents and purposes of this, starter would be the same as all flock. I have not heard of the high protein issue with leghorns. I am not inclined to think that 20% would be the level to cause issue. I would be more concerned about the calcium levels in layer and what it will do to non-layers over protein percent. Perhaps you can find and 18% organic starter and offer oyster shell on the side. With that you will have peace of mind and the birds will have a proper ration.

And would it be okay to mix the feed until I find the right one?

 

[Brooks_]

It won't hurt if I keep on using this food till I find the right one right?

Assuming you mean a bag or two, then it likely won't cause long term issue. Calcium toxicity is a cumulative thing.

 

[Brooks_]

And would it be okay to mix the feed until I find the right one?

Mixing until the right feed would be better.

 

[Egg_cited]

Mixing until the right feed would be better.

Got it I'll start doing that!

 

[NatJ]

Adding to that I was wondering mabey I could actually mix the food? So everyone could get what they need?

If you mix crumbles and pellets they will probably throw one size out of the feeder and just eat the other size. But if the foods are both crumbles, or both pellets, it will probably work well enough.

You could offer both kinds of food in separate feeders, and the chickens will soon tell you which one they like better (helpful if you want to know, not helpful if you want to use up both kinds at an even rate.)

 

[Egg_cited]

If you mix crumbles and pellets they will probably throw one size out of the feeder and just eat the other size. But if the foods are both crumbles, or both pellets, it will probably work well enough.

You could offer both kinds of food in separate feeders, and the chickens will soon tell you which one they like better (helpful if you want to know, not helpful if you want to use up both kinds at an even rate.)

They are both crumbles