Chicken feed for mixed flock

[Kris5902]

Ok, I’m wanting to feed a mixed flock of layers/breeding Roosters, and don’t want to feed a layer pellet because of the calcium levels in it. I’m trying to get them onto pellets, because they are tossing the dry crumbles out and I want to minimize coccidiosis risks and stop the huge amounts of wasted feed. Problem is I can’t find the crumbles in a pellet.

Here is what I can get for feed... the Broiler Pellets are what I’m looking at for free choice dry feed 24/7 but I’m a bit worried about the high protein and fat content? I will still provide mash from the grower crumbles, which I’m going to hopefully ferment once I get my set-up more stable or it stops being so cold outside!

The broiler pellets would be a special order item, my feed store doesn’t normally carry them... I will offer oystershell free choice on the side once they get to laying age.

 

[Kris5902]

And it helps if I put the pics in the post?

 

[Compost King]

I wish I could get Feed pellets that weren't Layer feed. $2 extra a bag... I guess you need to calculate how much is wasted vs the extra $2. I recently moved to non laying feed and free choice oyster shell myself. Supposedly the rooster is better off this way.

 

[Kris5902]

But what affects will the min 19% protein and 5.5% fat over the min 17% and 3% in a layer feed have overtime? The phosphorus is a bit higher as well?

 

[Compost King]

I wish I knew more about that. Is their feeding going to be supplemented by free ranging?

 

[Kris5902]

On pasture, but not free ranging yet...

 

[Compost King]

If they will be free ranging I would not worry about minor differences in the feed analysis as much of their nutrition will be coming from the pasture. My voice is the voice of a novice though and likely an expert will arrive and weigh in on specific feed issues shortly.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hmm, not sure what the best option is here...

I do feed "finisher" pellets (labeled for broilers but the fat and protein of mine are lower, 3.2 and 17%) but yes pelleted non-layer seems extremely hard to find compared to other types of feed. I also prefer pellets for less mess.

 

[Kris5902]

I was in a rush at the big Vancouver warehouse feed store that supplies my local one... and kind of put on the spot, so I didn’t look too closely over their poultry feeds, but I’m pretty sure the only “finisher” or “grower” pellet i saw was this broiler one... Its a bit of an intimidating warehouse compared to my local family run feed store, and the only decent list of feeds is right at the counter.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..
I buy feed at UFA and use 16% Poultry Grower/Finisher.
It's an all flock feed. I supply Oyster shell in a separate dish.