Confused over feed

[ChickNanny13]

We buy our feed from local feed store ...it has the exact same ingredients as the Purina layer pellets..I took him the tag from the gg..they make food...they made me up my beet pulp and soybean meal for goats today too...

Layer pellets/crumbles have MORE calcium (that's why it's called Layer) than other feed. Chicks, cockerels & Roos do NOT need that extra calcium ... I've read it may/can cause liver/kidney issues but then again others say not. I agree with @azygous Rather be safe than sorry, haven't had any issues with my girls nor their eggs (FR & OS)

 

[Fluttershy17]

Since there is a cockerel in the mix, can they go on grower/raiser or general flock feed with oyster shell (when they are ready to lay) and grit on the side? Can they stay on the grower/raiser, or is that even needed and go straight to flock feed?

 

[azygous]

Grower/raiser isn't necessary. That's mainly for raising meat birds where you want fast growth. All these special feeds - layer, grower, finisher, chick starter - are for commercial operators with huge flocks with special needs. Backyard flocks can all eat a single feed - an all flock feed such as Flock Raiser by Purina or the equivalent. (My baby chicks never had a problem with the size of the crumbles).

Do not mix oyster shell into the feed. That is not necessary or desirable. Birds needing the calcium will help themselves to the oyster shell if you make it available in a free choice dispenser.