Chick Feed vs Layer Feed (60% of flock laying, rest are not)

[Katekozak]

I have to run to tractor supply and get a new bag of feed for my 6 backyard chickens.

They are approx. 4 months old and I have 3 different breeds (rhode island red, leghorn, and amberlink). 3-4 (not positive 4 are laying but def 3) of my babies are laying as of last week and are offered a bowl of oyster shell crumbles to supplement their food. I have to go get a new bag of feed. The others are expected to start laying very soon. Is it safe to give all the chickens layer feed? I could always leave out 2 food dishes but I wouldn't know how to make the right hens eat from the right bowl. What would you advise here?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is difficult to make sure they are eating the right food so with 6 birds 4 months of age over a month after summer solstice, it may be safe to switch them all to layer but perhaps it would be better to mix the two types of feed which would be like a pre lay diet.
It is also OK to use a non-lay feed with oyster shell in a separate container. That's what I normally do.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

I never switch to layer personally since they will also go through molt eventually and such. Layer really offers the MINIMUM protein needed for light bodied layers, where as dual purpose breeds will do best at about 18% and best hatch rates were shown at 22% which to me says more nutrition in the eggs my family is consuming.

I suggest either a grower or My preference is Purina flock raiser (20% protein), but it's also about the amino acids. A "starter" would be fine to continue as long as you have provided the oyster shell on the side. This is what I always do and my preferred method for many many reasons... including no worry about feeding someone separately, all need are met plentiful (allowing more leeway for some folks who offer low nutrient treats), my birds recover from and have lighter molts since not using "layer" for the past 5 years... noting the main differences are going to be protein and calcium content. This feeding pattern allows for broody's and juveniles that get added each year or older ladies on pet status that no longer lay as the added calcium ion layer is not beneficial for them.

The suggestion from the first poster is agreeable as well. You have lots of options available. While some may not be perfect or ideal, you are not likely to cause harm as long as you stick with a formulated ration.

Congrats on your eggs and more to come!

 

[centrarchid]

I am doing two things as egg production wains that appear to work equally well. The first is simply mix a layer with as flock raiser formulation so ratio is about 1:2 as feed. The second is to use the standard flock raiser and provide free-choice access to oyster shell mixed in with grit bowl. Egg shells appear all to be in good order.

About this time bumping up protein to above the minimum required for sustained egg production might be considered to help with molting, particularly is the birds are starting to lose appetite.

 

[Steven Bussell]

Looks like you got great advice..
Can I ask what food did you get .

 

[Katekozak]

Thank you all so much for the assistance!! This advice was perfect, I'm thrilled to have this resource. I kind of ended up taking a part of advice from all of the above posts. I leave oyster shell out with grit as a choice to the hens (I've read they sense when they need calcium and know when to limit their intake). I bought the purina flock raiser as they were on purina chick raiser prior so I figured it wasn't a huge jump. For the first few days I mixed the chick raiser food I had left with the new flock raiser until I ran out of chick feed. I figured this would better acclimate them to their new feed. They are now solely using flock raiser but still offered oyster shell on the side as a calcium supplement. Seems to be doing very well so far and my eggs have been delicious with a good strong shell. They are starting to get gradually larger at this point as well. Thank you all again for the very knowledgeable advice! I have gotten so much help from this forum!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Stop stressing yourself out and just switch them all to layer! People worry too much, it's fine.

 

[Steven Bussell]

Stop stressing yourself out and just switch them all to layer! People worry too much, it's fine.

Wouldn't it be nice to get a dollar for everytime we advise using all flock food