Does layers mash increase the eggs production?

[EggSighted4Life]

I' so proud of them, the trasformation from poor little things in healty birds it is evident! I didn't imagine how much chickens can be lovely and interesting beings. Thank you for asking me.

Wow, the transformation is quite stark.. great job.

The best part is the difference seen by the look in the eye. You can see their renewed zest for life! Beauties, they are.

Please remember ALL treats including scrambled or boiled eggs are still to be used ONLY on special occasions and (I prefer) directly related to interaction with you. They don't generally need extra encouragement to consume their standard ration. For me, if I scramble the shell with the egg it scratches my pan so I serve it separately unless boiled. If boiled I take out the whole egg a smash it under my shoe on the grass. If dropped by accident I let them eat it raw. I've yet to have egg eater issues in my flock caused by feeding egg shells back. Most often when an egg get eaten in the nest it may be a happy accident from a broken or weak egg and usually headed off easily. Seeds are especially high in fat as are eggs... surprisingly eggs energy (calories not volume) comes from 34% protein and 64% fat... half of that protein as well as many the key nutrients are found IN the yolk. My favorite way to offer seed is sprouted or even grown out to fodder.. but my free range birds (in this location) are fairly dismissive of more green and able to easily pick the seed off still.

I have read studies that indicate better (more compete) digestion (in poultry specifically) if ration is moistened into a mash before serving. After reading many, many studies and my own personal experience.. I actually believe that wetting feed provides more benefit than fermenting it.. which I did exclusively for 2 years for 82 birds with no savings or improvement over my already thriving flock... it MAY benefit those with special needs SOME but far over rated... again according to my experience and understanding of the studies I've read.

 

[Daisycar]

The best part is the difference seen by the look in the eye. You can see their renewed zest for life! Beauties, they are.

This is the most important thing. I'm so glad you've noticed...

This morning I visited three local feed stores, the only ones we have in the surrounding, but they sell only three types of feed: the chicks one, the layers one and the broilers one, which contains 20% of protein but it isn't GMO free. The prices of the adult ones are quite the same, only a little difference between the two kinds. It seems impossible to find something else. Till now, I've fed them only with the GMO free and the price is higher. I ask myself if it's safe to feed them with GMO, but I've realized that clearly all eggs and meat in the market have, one way or another, GMO at the origin...
Considering that, at the moment, the problem is to ensure that the texture of the eggshell improves, precisely for the well-being of the birds, maybe it's better to give them this type of food or, if possible, add proteins to the food they're used to.
I'm confused, don't know what to do.

In the meantime I bought oyster shells and grit, but I'm not sure that this one is the right one, I'll post a pic, can you give me your opinion?

Thanks a lot again.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

but they sell only three types of feed: the chicks one, the layers one and the broilers one, which contains 20% of protein but it isn't GMO free

Not all GMO's are created equal or even a bad thing despite being portrayed as Evil. Since I don't ensure EVERYthing going into my own mouth is NON GMO.. I can't worry about feeding only non gmo to my chickens.

I do ensure they have the best life possible.. which I think you ARE doing!

I personally would go with either the chick or the broiler one.. whichever I like the ingredients on best.

That OS/grit... looks very different than what I'm used to seeing... does it have an analysis type label? Is it combined to one product or am I missing a photo? Since I never buy grit and rely on pebbles in my ground... the oyster shell I use looks just like tiny oyster shells. But that doesn't mean your product is wrong.. it's great to see how things are different!

You've already done great.. just hang in there during this learning adventure!

 

[Daisycar]

tomorrow I'll go to buy it! That's exactly what I was hoping to hear!

That is the pic of the grit, I didn't see the label, the boy took it from a big bucket.
The oyster shell is.... oyster shell, easy to identify, no chance of making a mistake.

Thank you again and again for you kind explanations.

 

[Kelly60]

Hi there!

Food type will effect production and bird condition but let me explain some...

First two things which effect production are genetics and daylight. Egg laying hormone increases as daylight increases and vice versa. For this reason it is important NOT to provide nighttime light as it effects hormone function and sleep quality which effects everything else immune system related.

Now actually "layer" mash has all the nutrients needed for most birds... an in fact adding in greens, seeds, olive oil and the like may be diminishing nutrients not increasing them... though they will increase enrichment value... it's important not to give more than 10% of the total daily ration in treats. Fruits are high sugar and seeds are high fat. In no way is adding pure fat like olive oil actually going to benefit really anyone, IMO.

Layer feed is usually (in the US) around 16% protein and 4% calcium. It is essentially lower in protein and amino acids while being higher in calcium than other chicken feeds available.

Now a soft shelled egg is very often the result of a hiccup in the reproductive system... maybe the egg went through too fast or something like that. Very rarely is a softee actually a sign of calcium deficit.. if it is a chronic condition in a specific hen she might be having shell gland issues and need more help.

I personally prefer to use a starter feed, flock raiser, or grower if possible and offer the oyster shell or whatever calcium source y'all use there free choice in the side. My reason for this is because they all have higher amounts of protein and amino acids... which feathers are made 90% from... Also 22% protein was shown to give the highest hatch rate which says to me more nutrients in the eggs my family is consuming even though the other feed cost a bit more than "layer". Carbs are a cheaper energy source than protein in most locations. An when it comes to chickens lets not forget that despite most feeds being vegetarian they are actually omnivores that NEED the animal derived amino acids... so peas won't offer the same benefit as say a little mackerel just as example. The amino acids are added synthetically to feeds here... BUT since making the switch (to flock raiser with 20% protein and higher amino acid levels, with only about 1% calcium),.. my older birds have less harsh molts, the difference is phenomenal.. they used to lose personality and become very withdrawn during that time avoiding the flock and me. But now they just get quite for a short time, still coming around and even hanging out on my lap..

I guess my point is "layer" feed is essentially the bare MINIMUM to keep a light bodied layer like Leghorn in laying condition.. Heavier bodied birds will do best on at least 18% protein.. Big chicken isn't trying to provide the best they are trying to get their best conversion ratio.. least amount of nutrients and energy to maximum egg production. Providing more won't increase your egg production or decrease it.. it will increase your birds condition and give you amazing eggs to boot!

Extra grains... not included as part of the pelleted ration.. often decrease nutrients... which are added into the pelleted ration... so if your using them, do so as a personal treat or enrichment and not mixed into their feed... as some birds have been known to pick out the tasty bits leading to nutrient deficit and even fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (though usually predisposed genetically for the later).

Hope this helps!

This is excellent advice.