Feed advice?

[GiggityChickaD]

My chickens are about 16weeks now and are on chick start and grow feed. I have to go and buy some feed today and know they wont go through a 25pound bag in the two weeks. I know at 18weeks to change over to layer feed and I supply grit and oyster shells but I was wondering what to feed them before I change over in 2weeks. I have 2 hens and a roo and didnt want to be wasteful. What do roosters eat? Can/will they eat layer feed? Or do I need to just buy a flock bag? what supplements do I need to keep everyone healthy and my hens laying if I do but multy feed?

 

[pdirt]

You can just feed them grower now and for the rest of their lives. In a couple weeks, start offering crushed oyster shell on the side. Keep the oyster shell always available. They will eat the shell if they need it for egg-making and will leave it alone if they don't need it. Your pullets may or may not start laying at 18 weeks. It can take up to 36 weeks, depending on the breed. My experience is generally around 24-26 weeks before they start laying.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You can just feed them grower now and for the rest of their lives. In a couple weeks, start offering crushed oyster shell on the side. Keep the oyster shell always available. They will eat the shell if they need it for egg-making and will leave it alone if they don't need it. Your pullets may or may not start laying at 18 weeks. It can take up to 36 weeks, depending on the breed. My experience is generally around 24-26 weeks before they start laying.

X 2 - I, myself, use this feed plan because I maintain a mixed flock with birds that are not actively laying in the mix. This is the ultimate "keep it simple" feed program.

 

[GiggityChickaD]

Omgosh really? I didnt know that they can stay on grower all I hear most of the time is layer feed layer feed. So what is the benifit of layer feed of i can leave them on grower? Just feed my chickens start and grow crumbles and thats that? I know to always leave oyster shells and grit for them to acess but why would they make different feeds if there is little to no benifit?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Omgosh really? I didnt know that they can stay on grower all I hear most of the time is layer feed layer feed. So what is the benifit of layer feed of i can leave them on grower? Just feed my chickens start and grow crumbles and thats that? I know to always leave oyster shells and grit for them to acess but why would they make different feeds if there is little to no benifit?

Layer has added calcium in the feed itself to meet the needs of a hen who is active producing eggs - that is the only "advantage" of it. As long as one has a sufficient calcium supply available (ie the oyster shell) there is no need to use a layer ration and the benefits are outweighed, imo, by the negative impact it can have on any bird who is not actively in need of that high level of calcium. My other reason for choosing grower is that the readily available layer rations in my area are all lower in protein than I prefer - most sitting right around 16% which is the very low end of the spectrum for protein content, leaving little room for the overall negative impact on protein intake with the offering of things like fruit/veggie scraps, scratch grains, etc. A nice grower ration that has 18-20% protein content allows more wiggle room.

 

[GiggityChickaD]

Alright, thank you very much. In your experience is there a prefered brand or one that you overall find more efficient?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I have fed Purina Flock Raiser for a long time and have been happy with it. I also feed Layena, depending on what's in my flock. I haven't tried every brand out there, but I'm sure that many others are good too. Get something that is easily available where you live, and has good dating on the bag; freshness is very important! Mary