Does type of feed increase eggs?

[enola]

4 eggs a day ??? That is not possible.

 

[caralouise1974]

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Read my other thread on the emergencies section - I assure you it is. I saw her do it with my own eyes.

Our vet was incredulous too, hence we're having such problems getting treatment for her. It's unheard of.

 

[caralouise1974]

Quote:
Been there done that. She eats it all the time. She's on expensive high dose prescribed calcium supplements from our vet too, to no avail. It's clearly way more complicated than offering a bit of oyster shell I'm afraid.

What I really need to know though is what will happen to her health if I lay off the layer's feed and switch to a lower protein feed like grain. Will it slow down egg production but leave her otherwise well nourished, or will her overall wellbeing suffer?

Anyone?

 

[The Wolf Queen]

I ALWAYS feed lay crumble... although now I have at least 100 eggs in the fridge so... maybe not so good anymore

 

[aberfitch]

I think her over well being will suffer. have you let her free range? Mabe some bugs and earth food can fix her problem.

 

[FrenchHen]

As per the original question, letting the birds range a bit makes their eggs healthier. They have more vitamins, less cholesterol, and a better omega fatty acid ratio than birds that just eat commercial feed. Ours are in a run, but we give them lawn clippings and other things to supplement their bagged food.

Their eggs are way tastier than anything from a grocery store.

 

[caralouise1974]

Thanks everyone, sorry to hijack the thread. I'm just so desperate to get help for my girl!

x

 

[cybercat]

Chickens are omnivores not vegitarians. So feeding a diet that is just plant or grain based will hurt a chicken in the long run. When a farmer says we only fed wheat they did BUT their chickens were out all day free ranging around the farm big differance than penned chickens.

For chcikens kept in a pen no matter how big it is your feeding program will be very different than those that can let them loose for a short time. Buying a good layer feed is a must but you can also plant a chicken garden so they get more greens. Throw your weeds into the pens also they will eat them up.

 

[upthecreek]

I've gave some of my birds at different times ground beef , man-o-man once they get the taste of it they will run over/knock you down trying to get to the beef (they LOVE it) !!!!
Even had one old hen ask "where's the beef " ... .... .......

Good night
Shannon



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[rosegal]

My girls are completely free range. They have layer and are eating the starter my new chicks are getting now too (not my idea theirs). I have 14 hens all laying and they only eat about 2 cups of feed a day. They also get all sorts of scraps but they go crazy over any meat offered, raw or cooked. There are things they don't like, but always fight over the protein. They will eat lentils, beans, wheat and all the other good stuff, but variety is the key to duplicating their natural lifestyle. I also feed 2 cups of wild bird food for them to scratch about during the day. It is spread out over the whole area, it keeps them busy. They also get weeds, all kinds. I have not found a weed they will not eat yet and they are seriously reducing my torts weed source. They eat anything green they can find. Their appetites amaze me! And the eggs are wonderful. It is worth the effort of feeding them this great variety and picking buckets of weeds for them to get such great tasting eggs. Plus they are so appreciative that it is refreshing. My neighbors also bring over their leftovers and whenever she cleans out the fridge it comes over here. I give her a couple dozen of eggs a week for her trouble....chickens do have their bad points for neighbors, unfortunately, or fortunately...as I would probably have about 50 of them!