Does this hen look normal?

[CKfarm22]

I would feed a flock raiser feed of sorts which has 20% protein! The nice thing about this kind is that you can even feed it all year and just provide supplemental oyster shell for the layers. This is great for mixed age flocks and flocks with roosters because it doesn't provide an excess of calcium in the feed that can cause health problems. This is also beneficial to hens who may have lowered calcium needs like broody hens!

Thank you so much. During molting season the 20% feed is fine and I don’t have to add anymore protein?

 

[CKfarm22]

Yep, I do that. Recommended. I use "flock raiser" and a "flock starter" when thats not available. I always get non medicated unless I am raising chicks. I use Purina. Hope this helps!

Right now i’m using Producer Prides 16% layer feed. But i will definitely switch when this bag is out

 

[cherrynberry]

Thank you so much. During molting season the 20% feed is fine and I don’t have to add anymore protein?

Some people do and some people dont. I personally do, but not everyone does and they usually recover even with 20% protein. I just add protein to decrease stress and the length of a molt.

 

[CKfarm22]

Some people do and some people dont. I personally do, but not everyone does and they usually recover even with 20% protein. I just add protein to decrease stress and the length of a molt.

As for protein what do you mean by? I’m so sorry for all the questions!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Thank you so much. During molting season the 20% feed is fine and I don’t have to add anymore protein?

It should be fine! Extra protein never hurts but it should be enough and has worked very well for me! I know the Nutrena Feather Fixer Feed marketed for molting only has 18% protein... Personally I find that formula a bit gimmicky and would just feed the 20% and call it good

 

[CKfarm22]

It should be fine! Extra protein never hurts but it should be enough and has worked very well for me! I know the Nutrena Feather Fixer Feed marketed for molting only has 18% protein... Personally I find that formula a bit gimmicky and would just feed the 20% and call it good

Thank you so much!

 

[cherrynberry]

As for protein what do you mean by? I’m so sorry for all the questions!

Right now i’m using Producer Prides 16% layer feed. But i will definitely switch when this bag is out

I supplement with a little bit of gamebird feed (not sure if anyone else does that).

Its less than 10% of their diet. Raising the protein by a few percentages doesnt do damage over a short period of time. However, extra protein is bad and not recommended over a long period of time (its bad for their liver).

 

[CKfarm22]

I supplement with a little bit of gamebird feed (not sure if anyone else does that).

Its less than 10% of their diet. Raising the protein by a few percentages doesnt do damage over a short period of time. However, extra protein is bad and not recommended over a long period of time (its bad for their liver).

Should i mix the 20% regular feed and the extra protein together? or should i separate them into two different feeders?

 

[cherrynberry]

Should i mix the 20% regular feed and the extra protein together? or should i separate them into two different feeders?

If you want to feed slightly extra protein, feed it as the only treat. Less than 10% of a chickens diet. 10 chickens would eat half a cup of treats. I feed 25 chickens less than one cup a day. I would put it in a seperate feeder. I wouldnt purchase gamebird feed if not needed for other poultry. It can be pricey. If you can get a bag of dried mealworms, thats a great source of protein, treats, and calcium.

 

[CKfarm22]

If you want to feed slightly extra protein, feed it as the only treat. Less than 10% of a chickens diet. 10 chickens would eat half a cup of treats. I feed 25 chickens less than one cup a day. I would put it in a seperate feeder. I wouldnt purchase gamebird feed if not needed for other poultry. It can be pricey. If you can get a bag of dried mealworms, thats a great source of protein, treats, and calcium.

Right now I have dried mealworms as a treat and scratch grain.