Eggs - Feed

[KTobolka]

Help!!! We have 6 one year old Buff Orpington's. Live in Waxahachie, Texas.

We are not getting 6 eggs a day consistently. At best we get at least 4 eggs.

We feed them consistently Nutrena Naturewise Layer 16% Crumbles. They also get Meal Worms and Oyster Shell.

Now, I also treat them by mixing up a nice pan of Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Blueberries, Cracked Corn, Sunflower Seeds, Ramen, Cheerios, and Corn Flakes. It seems that when we feed them this, they no longer want to lay eggs. Is this special mix I'm giving them causing the no egg production?

 

[JaeG]

Orpingtons may not lay daily. Ours certainly don't. Only production breeds such as Leghorns can be relied on to lay daily.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x ... Alot depends on your weather conditions and breed. If you've noticed feeding your mix, slows down egg production, stop. I've learned "treats" are just that, all they really need is their feed.
I stopped feeding layer years ago, feed Flock Raiser (20%) with Oyster Shells on the side. Read an article (made sense to me) ... Eggs are protein, the process of laying an egg uses up protein energy hence more protein helps maintain their well being. Layer has only 16% protein & extra calcium ... Thinking is cheaper and cost effective for egg production companies.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Yes, I think the average for a 1st or 2nd year layer, strong laying breed is about 4 eggs every five days...so six hens producing 4-5 a day this time of year sounds about right.

 

[GC-Raptor]

We have 6 one year old Buff Orpington's.

We are not getting 6 eggs a day consistently. At best we get at least 4 eggs.

I also treat them by mixing up a nice pan of Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Blueberries, Cracked Corn, Sunflower Seeds, Ramen, Cheerios, and Corn Flakes. It seems that when we feed them this, they no longer want to lay eggs. Is this special mix I'm giving them causing the no egg production?

My experience with giving more than 10% treats equals less eggs.
My 2 Barred Rocks that lays (31 months old) gave me 10 eggs last week. 10 eggs the prior week and 9 eggs the week before.
I only give Scratch Grains as a treat daily, 2 Tbsps each during winter season and 1 Tbsp each the rest of the year.
A Poultry feed is complete nutrition.
I feed a Non-medicated Starter Grower feed 18% year round to my Pullets and Hens with Oyster Shells separately.
If you feed a Layers feed 16%, it's best to not give treats, if you want maximum egg production.
There are some Layers feed 18% if you want to go that way and still give some treats. GC