Chicken feed

[writergirl]

So maybe I'm going to be playing devil's advocate, but, since when did feeding chickens get complicated? Don't get me wrong, I love my birds, even when they poop on me, but how did feeding them get so "technical"? I'm trying to simplify a few things, and decided to really fidi into why chicks can't have lalay feed. I get the protein and calcium level theory. But I have spent the last several hours trying to find documentation that isn't backed by a feed manufacturers (looking at Purina) that can give any actual proof of the calcium harming the chicks.

I've found the blog (https://afarmishkindoflife.com/dont-use-chick-starter/) that put it to the test. She'S been educated by the internet what they needed to feed the chicks, but the feed store told her otherwise. Layer/starter feed didn't used to be a "thing". The old timers didn't have these scientifically balanced feeds. I'm the comments as recent as last year people were confirming that they've never done starter and never had problems.

My curiosity is, in all the threads I've read here I get the information about chick starter being a must because of all the liver damage the calcium could do to the chicks, but where is that coming from? I don't hold to conspiracy theories, but I do know that companies know how to appeal to folks wanting to take care of their animals which usually includes a costly price tag. So, died anyone have either any first-hand experience with a chick dying or being damaged but eating layer feed or know where I can find a study about it that wantwa done by people that would profit from it? I want to make an informed decision, but so far everything is pretty one-sided by those that want to sell me the product I'm thinking about not buying.

Thanks in advance and I know this could be a topic people are very passionate about, please be kind.

 

[SueT]

I simply give all my chickens of all ages Purina Flock Raiser. Oyster shell on side.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

So maybe I'm going to be playing devil's advocate, but, since when did feeding chickens get complicated? Don't get me wrong, I love my birds, even when they poop on me, but how did feeding them get so "technical"? I'm trying to simplify a few things, and decided to really fidi into why chicks can't have lalay feed. I get the protein and calcium level theory. But I have spent the last several hours trying to find documentation that isn't backed by a feed manufacturers (looking at Purina) that can give any actual proof of the calcium harming the chicks.

I've found the blog (https://afarmishkindoflife.com/dont-use-chick-starter/) that put it to the test. She'S been educated by the internet what they needed to feed the chicks, but the feed store told her otherwise. Layer/starter feed didn't used to be a "thing". The old timers didn't have these scientifically balanced feeds. I'm the comments as recent as last year people were confirming that they've never done starter and never had problems.

My curiosity is, in all the threads I've read here I get the information about chick starter being a must because of all the liver damage the calcium could do to the chicks, but where is that coming from? I don't hold to conspiracy theories, but I do know that companies know how to appeal to folks wanting to take care of their animals which usually includes a costly price tag. So, died anyone have either any first-hand experience with a chick dying or being damaged but eating layer feed or know where I can find a study about it that wantwa done by people that would profit from it? I want to make an informed decision, but so far everything is pretty one-sided by those that want to sell me the product I'm thinking about not buying.

Thanks in advance and I know this could be a topic people are very passionate about, please be kind.

IMO, it hasn't gotten more complicated but rather less so.
Chicks can't have layer feed because they aren't layers. Nor are roosters, molting hens or hens taking the winter off. Layer feed is for layers - only. If a bird isn't actively building egg shells, they can't make use of the excess calcium. It doesn't hurt the liver, it overloads the kidneys. Chickens have 2 kidneys with 3 segments each. Over time, those segments are damaged and as long as a hen has 2 functioning segments, they will appear normal and continue to lay. Once one of the remaining functioning segments fails, the bird will die within 24 hours. Many people don't believe that because they won't pay to have the bird necropsied by their state poultry diagnostic lab - so they will never know the cause.
This isn't a conspiracy by feed manufacturers, it is based on well over a century of exhaustive research in poultry nutrition.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It's only as complicated as one makes it....I use an all age appropriate feed at all time (20%, non calcium enriched crumble) and provide free choice oyster shell for actively laying birds to take as needed

 

[writergirl]

So how do you keep the rooster from eating the same feed as the greens when they live together?

 

[writergirl]

It's only as complicated as one makes it....I use an all age appropriate feed at all time (20%, non calcium enriched crumble) and provide free choice oyster shell for actively laying birds to take as needed

Where do you find that? I've never seen it at tractor supply it my feed store.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What greens?
Green forage won't hurt the roosters.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Most large farm store and feed companies carry an all flock feed. I know TSC, Orscheln's and Farm&Home carry it. If you can't find it, use a chicken grower feed, it is virtually the same thing.

 

[writergirl]

What greens?
Green forage won't hurt the roosters.

Sorry autocorrect stuck again greens=hens. If I'm feeding my hens layer feed and the rooster lives with them it's kinda impossible to stop him from eating their feed.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There are 3 approaches. The @Ol Grey Mare approach.
Keeping roosters separate except for conjugal visits.
Building feeders with openings the roosters can't get their heads into and rooster feeders elevated where the hen's can't reach.