Chicken feed question

[GC-Raptor]

It states to feed up to 16 weeks. What happens, if they will eat that longer than 16 weeks? I was hoping to have them finish the bag.

Nothing will happen, just provide a separate container of Oyster Shells at 16 weeks old for the Calcium.

It's a good idea to put out a separate container of Poultry Grit "Granite" so the Pullets not Laying won't substitute Shells for Grit.

I feed my Hens "22 months old" a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% with Oyster Shells separately.

GC

 

[Guernsy]

Nothing will happen, just provide a separate container of Oyster Shells at 16 weeks old for the Calcium.View attachment 2205310

It's a good idea to put out a separate container of Poultry Grit "Granite" so the Pullets not Laying won't substitute Shells for Grit.View attachment 2205312

I feed my Hens "22 months old" a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% with Oyster Shells separately.View attachment 2205341
GC

Thank you for the info. How will the chickens know what they are supposed to eat? I mean, how will the younger chickens know, that they are supposed to eat the grit vs the Oyster Shells? Also, if Grit is "Granite", we have Decomposed Granite and concrete in our backyard (walkways) where the chickens run around. Would that be the same or suffice when they pick around in it? I don't mind buying them grit, just wondering, if they would get too much of it. Thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have a flock of 10, however, three of my chickens are three weeks younger than the others. I still have them all on chick starter and I just bought another 50 lb bag. I was under the impression that I could feed them that until they start laying?
My feed is King Freedom feed, from a CA feed company and it is GMO organic feed. It states to feed up to 16 weeks. What happens, if they will eat that longer than 16 weeks? I was hoping to have them finish the bag.

You can feed that as long as you want, certainly until laying or well after that if you wish. Just supplement the necessary calcium via oyster shell on the side.

Thank you for the info. How will the chickens know what they are supposed to eat? I mean, how will the younger chickens know, that they are supposed to eat the grit vs the Oyster Shells? Also, if Grit is "Granite", we have Decomposed Granite and concrete in our backyard (walkways) where the chickens run around. Would that be the same or suffice when they pick around in it?

My guess is they try it out and ingest it and their body says "Yes that's what I need!" or "No, don't need that yet" They just seem to know. Don't know if anyone's studied the science behind it.

As far as the granite/concrete in your yard, as long as it's the right shape/size/hardness it's suitable for grit, however with decomposed granite it may no longer be hard enough to ideally serve as grit (and concrete simply crumbles). Good grit should be hard with some sharper edges on it.

 

[GC-Raptor]

How will the chickens know what they are supposed to eat? I mean, how will the younger chickens know, that they are supposed to eat the grit vs the Oyster Shells?

I don't know, maybe taste or texture. I observed they put their beak into the Shells or Grit before consuming. I'm not sure if they're tasting or checking the hardness with their beak, or both. Shells are more porous than Granite.
When my Hens are molting, not laying they consume less Shells. When they are laying they consume about 3 times more Shells than Grit.
I always keep them separated and never change positions.

Decomposed Granite and concrete in our backyard (walkways) where the chickens run around. Would that be the same

I don't know about Decomposed Granite or concrete. GC

 

[Guernsy]

You can feed that as long as you want, certainly until laying or well after that if you wish. Just supplement the necessary calcium via oyster shell on the side.



My guess is they try it out and ingest it and their body says "Yes that's what I need!" or "No, don't need that yet" They just seem to know. Don't know if anyone's studied the science behind it.

As far as the granite/concrete in your yard, as long as it's the right shape/size/hardness it's suitable for grit, however with decomposed granite it may no longer be hard enough to ideally serve as grit (and concrete simply crumbles). Good grit should be hard with some sharper edges on it.

LOL that sounds so painful to digest, yikes. I will go and get some tomorrow.
Thank you for all the help.

 

[rosemarythyme]

LOL that sounds so painful to digest, yikes. I will go and get some tomorrow.
Thank you for all the help.

They don't digest it, that's the entire point. The granite is collected in the gizzard to crush and break up whatever the chicken eats (as they have no teeth) to aid in digestion. Over time the grit will wear down and become smooth, and gets pooped out - kind of cool seeing these tiny, smooth stones in the poop because they've done their job.

 

[Guernsy]

They don't digest it, that's the entire point. The granite is collected in the gizzard to crush and break up whatever the chicken eats (as they have no teeth) to aid in digestion. Over time the grit will wear down and become smooth, and gets pooped out - kind of cool seeing these tiny, smooth stones in the poop because they've done their job.

Oh, great. Here I thought my time of looking at poop was over. LOL
My kids used to swallow all kinds of things that we had to wait for....

 

[ZoomuKeeper]

I have a chicken feed question I have been raising chickens for about 15 years and I've always said my adults whether they were roosters or hens the layer crumble with no issues. Now I am reading thought you should never feed the males layer feed. If that is the case how do you tell the boys not to eat the girls food? It's not like I can separate all the boys from the females.

 

[DobieLover]

I have a chicken feed question I have been raising chickens for about 15 years and I've always said my adults whether they were roosters or hens the layer crumble with no issues. Now I am reading thought you should never feed the males layer feed. If that is the case how do you tell the boys not to eat the girls food? It's not like I can separate all the boys from the females.

You feed an all flock type feed with oyster shell on the side.