Fall - Feeding the Laying Hens

[brozilla]

okay...so Fall in midvalley California doesn't reallly count as winter like....no snow...lows in low 50s...
but...I'm wondering if we need to change our layer feed for the upcoming change in weather. They get all table scraps and dried herbs and fruit and quack quack quack...

Laying silkies and laying Indian runner ducks that get the same basic feed (not in same bowl)
Scratch and Peck 18% protein..

Should I change type/protein levels for the fall/winter season here?

thanks!

 

[junebuggena]

With the shortening days of fall, most birds stop laying due to molting and not enough daylight exposure. The primary issue with feeding layer feed to non-laying birds is the extra calcium. If they aren't laying, they don't need all that calcium. It will eventually cause kidney damage. You don't need to change protein levels, but it would be best to switch to a feed without the high calcium levels.

 

[brozilla]

Thank you!