Feed Brand Switch?

[Manahil Asad]

Hi, I've been using Kalmbach's 20% Flock Feed for my laying silkie hens but wanted to switch onto the Scratch and Peck 18% Layer feed for fermenting so I was wondering, if I should take any precautions and notes when switching the feed? Anybody have any health problems that occurred when switching feeds?
Is there anything I should be aware for when going from flock to layer, also in regard to the protein percentages changing?
What other things could I feed them for the extra protein that won't lead to over-protein issues?
Last question, I raise my hens as pets rather than for their eggs so would Scratch and Peck Feed be better than Kalmbach Feeds on their health and well-being.
Much Thanks!!

 

[Weeg]

Hi, I've been using Kalmbach's 20% Flock Feed for my laying silkie hens but wanted to switch onto the Scratch and Peck 18% Layer feed for fermenting so I was wondering, if I should take any precautions and notes when switching the feed? Anybody have any health problems that occurred when switching feeds?
Is there anything I should be aware for when going from flock to layer, also in regard to the protein percentages changing?
What other things could I feed them for the extra protein that won't lead to over-protein issues?
Last question, I raise my hens as pets rather than for their eggs so would Scratch and Peck Feed be better than Kalmbach Feeds on their health and well-being.
Much Thanks!!

You are doing the exact same thing I did. I had all my birds on 20% Kalmbach Non-GMO Flock Maker for a couple months, than switched to Scratch and Peck at me feed store.
I just switched cold turkey, no issues.
I think the only health problem would be if you didn't ferment it. When whole grain feeds like Scratch and Peck are fed dry, they tend to pick through the grains and only pick out their favorites. Than they don't get any of the nutrition.
With that, I currently have all my birds on their starter. Its 20% protein, and I just offer OS on the side. I honestly prefer to freed a starter because then there isn't so much calcium. For birds who are broody, molting, or not laying consistently, the amount of calcium in layer can be to much, and cause issues over time. If you feed a starter, than offer OS on the side, they only eat as much calcium as they need.

In my opinion, I think Scratch and Peck is way better for pet birds. Its Organic and Non-GMO, which means that the grains aren't sprayed with RoundUp before harvesting. Grains are typically sprayed to dry them. That means they now contains glyphosate, which is cancer causing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Have your birds ever had FF before? If not, don't be surprised if they're a little reluctant to eat it at first, so don't make large batches of FF until you know they're willing to eat it without issue.

I don't have issue switching feeds with chickens, but if you want to ease their transition (and help lure them to the new feed) you could sprinkle the FF with a few handfuls of their old feed.

 

[The Truth Is Out There]

You are doing the exact same thing I did. I had all my birds on 20% Kalmbach Non-GMO Flock Maker for a couple months, than switched to Scratch and Peck at me feed store.
I just switched cold turkey, no issues.
I think the only health problem would be if you didn't ferment it. When whole grain feeds like Scratch and Peck are fed dry, they tend to pick through the grains and only pick out their favorites. Than they don't get any of the nutrition.
With that, I currently have all my birds on their starter. Its 20% protein, and I just offer OS on the side. I honestly prefer to freed a starter because then there isn't so much calcium. For birds who are broody, molting, or not laying consistently, the amount of calcium in layer can be to much, and cause issues over time. If you feed a starter, than offer OS on the side, they only eat as much calcium as they need.

In my opinion, I think Scratch and Peck is way better for pet birds. Its Organic and Non-GMO, which means that the grains aren't sprayed with RoundUp before harvesting. Grains are typically sprayed to dry them. That means they now contains glyphosate, which is cancer causing.

Lots of people don’t see the problem with making sure things aren’t GMO.
I was going to give a breeder my business by purchasing grain from their small mom and pop store (Ventura Grain) but the feed is GMO. This is not safe for us and definitely not safe for our birds. Especially since we are eating the eggs they create with the nutrition we provide.
I feed myself and family Organic and I wouldn’t want to put poisons into my birds either.
Not trying to sound rude to the people who choose what they think is best. But it really helps to do your own research.
And when you do that research dig. Because there are fact checkers (which have been admitted they are only opinion) that will tell you lies. And articles written for corporate gain.
Good luck everyone and enjoy your flock!