feed during the transition?

[tyjaco]

When I worked at a feed store, we would advise people to feed their young birds a 17% (protein) "all purpose" crumble (this is AFTER the medicated starter), unitl they started to lay - then start layer feed...

I have 8 youngsters ready to join the existing flock very soon. When I put them all out, should I change them ALL over to an all purpose feed??

Is that still the way to go? I have 4 laying hens, and I'd feel ok putting them on a non-lay feed as long as I offer oyster shell to the layers.

Am I thinking correctly??

 

[ChickenCanoe]

IMO growing birds need at least 18% protein. Depending on the purpose I usually feed between 20-24% at least for the first 2 months.
If you give crushed oyster shell free choice, it isn't a problem switching the hens to a grower. It's better than giving a 4%calcium to growing/non-laying birds.

 

[tyjaco]

Thank you -

These are just laying hens, so would they still need that high protein?

thx again...