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.

 

[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]

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

 

[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.

 

[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?

 

[Kris5902]

On pasture, but not free ranging yet...

 

[RoosterML]

Personally I would go the Broiler pellet sure alittle more fat but they won't be confined so the extra movement outside should help offset the higher fat content. Just my 2¢ and that's about all it's worth.

 

[RoosterML]

By the way I have never been there but from the photos I have seen I think BC is the stop just before heaven.

 

[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.

 

[Compost King]

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