Do hens really need Layer Feed???

[jrhbull]

I know of more than 1 person who feeds no layer feed and gets plenty of eggs and the hens go broody and hatch chicks alot.So what does the Layer Feed actually provide for the hens??They feed an all grain feed for horses,goats,cows or some game cock mix. Whats the deal?? Thanks for any info.

 

[moduckman]

If you read the ingredients for lay and all purpose, you will see most are close to the same. In my neck of the woods, the layer is cheaper than the other. feeds, so mine get layer.

 

[cgmccary]

I don't feed mine Layer feed. I don't like the males on that kind of calcium supplementation. In the past, I have used a layer ration and since I stopped, I see no difference in egg quantity or quality. However, I provide crushed oyster shell as free choice (i.e. NOT mixed in the feed but in a separate container) so if the hen needs calcium, she can take as she chooses.

P.S. Layer ration has about 3Xs the Calcium to supplement the hen.

 

[jrhbull]

Thanks for the replies