Feed changes

[lynviviana]

I started with nutrena's 16% layer feed. Recently I learned that the calcium percentage in layer feed isn't so great for my roosters on top of that I had the worst time finding that that layer feed at TSC it was a mess trying to order as it would state it was available online for pick up but when I would place the order I would receive e-mails saying they weren't available , I was advised to try nutrena's all flock feed with oyster shells on the side. Now that i've transitioned, I CANT find that brand at TSC its been so difficult. Shipping is insane and it takes long for it to come in. If i cant find that brand of feed at tsc would it be bad on my chickens to change feed once again? The associate that helped me the other day told me TSC doesn't receive nutrena most times on their trucks. Can anyone recommend a good bag that TSC carries all the time? I have 21 week old hens and cockerels.

 

[PoultryCQ]

I started with nutrena's 16% layer feed. Recently I learned that the calcium percentage in layer feed isn't so great for my roosters on top of that I had the worst time finding that that layer feed at TSC it was a mess trying to order as it would state it was available online for pick up but when I would place the order I would receive e-mails saying they weren't available , I was advised to try nutrena's all flock feed with oyster shells on the side. Now that i've transitioned, I CANT find that brand at TSC its been so difficult. Shipping is insane and it takes long for it to come in. If i cant find that brand of feed at tsc would it be bad on my chickens to change feed once again? The associate that helped me the other day told me TSC doesn't receive nutrena most times on their trucks. Can anyone recommend a good bag that TSC carries all the time? I have 21 week old hens and cockerels.

Changing feed wont cause any issues. Just make sure to feed enough protein. I like to use a chick grower feed if All flock in not available.

 

[Brooks_]

I started with nutrena's 16% layer feed. Recently I learned that the calcium percentage in layer feed isn't so great for my roosters on top of that I had the worst time finding that that layer feed at TSC it was a mess trying to order as it would state it was available online for pick up but when I would place the order I would receive e-mails saying they weren't available , I was advised to try nutrena's all flock feed with oyster shells on the side. Now that i've transitioned, I CANT find that brand at TSC its been so difficult. Shipping is insane and it takes long for it to come in. If i cant find that brand of feed at tsc would it be bad on my chickens to change feed once again? The associate that helped me the other day told me TSC doesn't receive nutrena most times on their trucks. Can anyone recommend a good bag that TSC carries all the time? I have 21 week old hens and cockerels.

I use Purina flock raiser crumble. My TSC is pretty good about having it (sometimes it's in back). When not in stock, I'll look for Purina starter or another starter/grower. Past week or so I've been using Nutrena all flock pellets as a treat. They don't Hoover it up like scratch, but being pellet it is different enough from their regular feed and they can have all they want.

 

[GC-Raptor]

If you don't mind feeding a Crumble feed, I feed my Hens and Pullets over 10 weeks old Nutrena Naturewise Starter-Grower feed 18% with a container of Oyster Shells.
If it's not available when I'm at TSC I'll buy Purina Non-Medicated Start & Grow or Flock Raiser Crumbles.

GC

 

[U_Stormcrow]

OK, you've already done the right thing - talking with your local store. You need to do more of it. What DO they normally stock??? How frequently does it come in??? (Basically, what can you get that is fresh???)

Nutrena Naturewise "All Flock" is a very good commercial feed. So is Purina's "Flock Raiser" (which may be a tiny bit cheaper, too - since its sold in a heavier bag). When the pandemic made bags unavailable, and shipping unreliable, I had to look for alternatives. Both Nutrena's and Purina's Starter or Starter/Grower (in the heaviest bag you can get) are very close substitutes for the first two options. Nutrena also has a "Feather Fixer" at 18% protein, which I've used in a pinch. Keep reading the label - its **also** very high calcium. You want to try and avoid it in a mixed gender flock, or a flock with pre-laying birds. If you have to, well - the dosage is the poison - in a large flock, even a 50# bag is highly highly highly unlikely to do any lasting damage. I woldn't feed it routinely, or buy a 50# bag with a flock of three or four birds. But even then, the chances of permanent damage are low.