Feed recommendations

[MidlandChicks]

Hi everyone, we’ll be transitioning our 6 hens to their coop in a few weeks, when they’ll be 8 weeks old. Im working on prepping their feed, grit and scratch but I’m confused about which feed to get them. I think we’d like to stick with pellets to avoid waste. However, a lot of the product descriptions for the feed options at Tractor Supply note that they’re “layer feeds” for hens that are laying eggs. Can I still give this to our chickens or do I need to wait until they’re laying eggs later this year? Any feed recommendations/advice for this life stage would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Acre4Me]

Layer feed: once they begin to lay eggs, not before. It contains excess calcium- perfect for a laying bird, but not needed for your birds at this time.

All-flock feed, often 20% protein to fit the needs of a mixed flock. We feed this and add oyster shells and grit separate. But, the all-flock can be fed before laying and during molt.

Alternate: grower feed. Does not contain the excess calcium of a layer feed. Used for chicks and for meat birds. But, completely fine to feed your growing chicks. Not sure if it comes in pellets, you will have to check.

 

[MadGardener]

I also prefer an all flock feed with oyster shell on the side (18-20% protein). I agree that pellets reduce waste. Others soak or ferment feed to reduce waste.

In my area, specific brands and blends are not consistently available. If all flock is not in stock, chick starter or grower is my go-to alternative. Once your gals are laying the extra calcium in a layer feed is OK.

Most layer feeds contain 16% protein. This is sufficient for a laying hen up to the first adult molt around 18 months of age. Many folks here prefer a higher protein, myself included. I feel like it gives a little wiggle room since protein is hard to increase without having too much fat.

In short, most Commercial feeds are precisely balanced for chickens, and backed by more research than human nutrition. The most common feed issues I've seen since coming to these forums is overfeeding treats. A mistake I also made.

 

[MidlandChicks]

Thank you so much for the quick responses. I was so confused and this information was exactly what I needed. It looks like Tractor Supply has all flock pellets so I’m going to get that for them. I still have a few small bags of their chick starter grower that they’ve been eating so I’m going to have them finish that over the next week or so and then start them on the all flock so they’re used to it before making the big move to their coop. Thank you so much!!!

 

[TooCheep]

Thank you so much for the quick responses. I was so confused and this information was exactly what I needed. It looks like Tractor Supply has all flock pellets so I’m going to get that for them. I still have a few small bags of their chick starter grower that they’ve been eating so I’m going to have them finish that over the next week or so and then start them on the all flock so they’re used to it before making the big move to their coop. Thank you so much!!!

Suggestion: It is best not to suddenly change feeds if you can help it. It is better to transition them to the new feed by increasingly mixing in the new feed until they are 100% on the new feed. Once you are on the last starter grower bag, I'd start mixing.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Thank you so much for the quick responses. I was so confused and this information was exactly what I needed. It looks like Tractor Supply has all flock pellets so I’m going to get that for them. I still have a few small bags of their chick starter grower that they’ve been eating so I’m going to have them finish that over the next week or so and then start them on the all flock so they’re used to it before making the big move to their coop. Thank you so much!!!

Another important thing is to check the mill date on the feed. A fresh feed is very important since nutritional content starts to decrease early on. If you purchase feed ahead of time, I would make sure it's been recently milled. You can find this date in different places for the different feeds. For Nutrena All Flock Pellets, you should be able to find the mill date on the tag stitched to the bottom of the bag. I hope this helps

 

[MidlandChicks]

Suggestion: It is best not to suddenly change feeds if you can help it. It is better to transition them to the new feed by increasingly mixing in the new feed until they are 100% on the new feed. Once you are on the last starter grower bag, I'd start mixing.

Thank you!! I’ll make sure to start mixing it into the last bag.

 

[MidlandChicks]

Another important thing is to check the mill date on the feed. A fresh feed is very important since nutritional content starts to decrease early on. If you purchase feed ahead of time, I would make sure it's been recently milled. You can find this date in different places for the different feeds. For Nutrena All Flock Pellets, you should be able to find the mill date on the tag stitched to the bottom of the bag. I hope this helps

I’m so glad you shared this tip about the mill date. I’ll keep an eye out to be sure they’re getting fresh feed. Thank you!!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

If you have a feed mill nearby, you can save a ton of money. TSC is so expensive.

 

[Acre4Me]

Thank you!! I’ll make sure to start mixing it into the last bag.

Work of caution on mixing visually different feeds…it is a mess! They swipe through the feed looking for their favorites, etc.

1. You can use two feeders, one with crumble, one with pellets.

2. Make a wet mash with water-they can’t tell a difference between crumble or pellets

3. Put feeder into larger pan so what they drip out is contained and not wasted or attractive to rodents.