Does anyone feed layer to chicks?

[smileygreen64]

I have been talking to people and doing some research. It seems that some feed layer from day one to everyone. Anyone have experience with this? What are your thoughts?

 

[featheredplanets]

In my opinion, laying feed is only for actively laying hens. Chicks have very different dietary requirements to that of a laying hen. I will always feed mine grower from day one until the very last breath they take. Laying feed has high calcium and some brands have quite a low protein. Chicks, cockerels, non laying pullets and non laying hens don’t need that extra calcium, nor is it good for them. Some do feed layers to a mixed sex/age flock with no adverse affects but I wouldn’t advise feeding it to chicks.

 

[Beer can]

Not recommended! !!

If I have a broody hatch chicks and she's in a separate coop I feed them starter/grower. Same if I hatch with incubator or buy chicks, starter/grower.
If the broodies are with the flock, all including chicks get layer crumble or mash. I get layer mash 17% @$10, 50lbs.
While I've never kept close tabs on weight gain I haven't personally seen any harmful effects of feeding layer to all, no problems with older roosters either. I've heard they can have kidney problems from the calcium but I've never noticed any ill effects.
I'm not recommending this, just admitting what I do and the fact I haven't personally seen any difference one way or the other.
I do add free or cheap protein of one way or another on occasion also ( animal, caught fish, whey, duck weed, sprouted or cooked dry beans, duck weed, etc)
If I had $$ I would feed the 'right' way.
I'd feed all flock, oyster shell on the side, and all chicks starter/grower.

 

[Folly's place]

I feed an all-flock feed with separate oyster shell to everyone, and don't worry about who's eating what. It's easier! Also, feeding a lower protein diet, and then adding pet food, fish, or whatever, is going to cost more. I can toss some scratch out there without feeling that it cheapens their diet too much. Now that we have lots of snow, they aren't getting any goodies outside either.
Mary

 

[Joeschooks]

I wouldn’t want to risk it personally. If you struggle to find chick crumb I would think growers pellets would be a better bet than layers.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Layer has too much calcium for chicks.

 

[lazy gardener]

I don't give it to chicks, I'm not opposed to it after the pullets reach chicken puberty.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have been talking to people and doing some research. It seems that some feed layer from day one to everyone. Anyone have experience with this? What are your thoughts?

My research says that that's too little protein for good growth and too much calcium creating more possibility of renal failure. In addition to it can delay development and onset of lay. I think it's a bad choice.

To me people, who knowingly feed layer to chicks are just ignorant... even the long timers on here that we know and love! It's fine for them... NEVER on my watch will it happen... (some people do what they NEED to also)

Layer is cheap because protein is pricey while oyster shell is cheap. If I want CHEAP eggs from chickens treated.. my version of crappy (via nutrient deficit in this instance), I can get those at the market. I keep chickens so my eggs and meat can be better in both flavor and nutrients in addition to the overall better life they get. You know the old saying you are what you eat... ya, I think so.. that's why higher protein is said to give better hatch rates (studies confirmed) because the eggs are filled with more nutrients!

I also always have broody's, chicks, roosters,molting, and juveniles. I feed 20% protein flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for layers to all birds start to finish. I don't consider it perfect, but it's what's available and works well.

The higher protein won't hurt the older birds and may even benefit them especially if they are dual purpose. It helps feathers grow in nicely since they are made form 90% protein and it's amino acids. I guess this statement right here is enough reason to not feed chicks a diminished protein diet to me.

Those who feed that way... their choice. Yes I guess I got a little judgey, because you asked specifically what was thought. I wouldn't act that way to someone looking for help or be calling people out telling them they are ignorant. I would try to be a little gentler with suggestions since you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. We all have choices and make them from our own perception. I just shared mine, so please try not to take it all harsh like and rude.

Best wishes making the right choice for your flock and self!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Start chicks off with Med Chick Starter (smallest bag I can get), then switch to Flock Raiser. When pullets show signs of laying add a dish of Oyster Shells, oh I also keep a dis of grit for all & I ferment their feed

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I started using Flock Raiser (20% protein) when I had broodies raising their young in the midst of the flock. Everyone got what they needed, and no one got what they didn't need.