Chicken plucking feathers out of other chickens??

[AlaskaEE]

talk to the folks at your feed store there should be a higher % layer feed available for them

Will do. The highest % I found on the shelf was 20% and that was a chick starter.

 

[azygous]

Purina Flock Raiser is 20%. I've been feeding it in lieu of layer for years. The laying hens get oyster shell to supplement their calcium needs, and right now, I have day-old chicks being taught to eat it by their broody.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Will do. The highest % I found on the shelf was 20% and that was a chick starter.

I recommend a minimum of 18%, though 20-22% is better 30's if you are feeding anything extras or are having troubles.

 

[AlaskaEE]

I'll look for 22%+ immediately. Thanks!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Will do. The highest % I found on the shelf was 20% and that was a chick starter.

this a great % and could be fed to all

 

[dunnmom]

I bet you'll be able to rehabilitate her yourself, and will not have to go to last resorts. I don't know what went wrong with mine, she had always been a bit aggressive toward others, and ruined an integration I tried to do on top of the plucking issue. Mean alpha-hen, was what she was. I was happy to hear that her new owner was able to ease her meanness.

 

[azygous]

Beware of feeding a feed higher than 20% protein long term. It can cause problems such as fatty liver and overweight issues, cause avian gout, and put a strain on the kidneys.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I'll look for 22%+ immediately. Thanks!

I would stay at the 20% for continued use

 

[lazy gardener]

Thank you, everyone! I checked the crude protein level of my feed and it's 17%, while the grower feed at my local supply store was at 15%. What is ideal for this phase of their development? I did buy a flock block and I can definitely supplement with scrambled eggs - I eat them every day myself!

I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions. I don't want to have to cull/rehome her!

Grower here is only 15% also. I honestly don't know why any one would bother to buy it! For your problem, I'd stick with the unmedicated starter, or feed a multi-flock which should be 18 - 20%, of course you'd need to offer oyster shell on the side.

 

[DesertBird]

Purina Flock Raiser is 20%. I've been feeding it in lieu of layer for years. The laying hens get oyster shell to supplement their calcium needs, and right now, I have day-old chicks being taught to eat it by their broody.

There's no downside to feeding only grower? My local feed store told me feeding them anything but layer would cause issues, grr. lol