FEED STARTING OUT

[mpoland33]

Hello,
Need quick advice!

Getting 8 week old hens this coming Saturday and I've done a lot of research on the coop and run and construction and medicine kits and bedding....all EXCEPT feed...I slacked on that a bit.

What does everyone recommend? mash or pellets? Brands? what do you use? do you like it? a lot of wasted food?

Do you supplement with shells?

What is the balance that you shoot for as far as nutrients?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I like the brands, (Blue seal home-fresh), (Nutrena Naturewise) and Purina.
I use a Medicated Starter, Starter-Grower or Start & Grow crumbles with Amprolium that has 18/20% Protein up to 10 weeks, then the same feed NON-MEDICATED till point of lay, up to 20 weeks and beyond with a container of Oyster Shells on the side.

Then a 18/20% Protein layers pellet, no wasted feed or crumbles if you prefer.

If you can't find a layers feed with 18/20% Protein, you can use Blue seal Finish 18% pellets, Nutrena Naturewise All-Flock 18% pellets or Purina Flock Raiser 20% crumbles or hard to find pellets. and a separate container of Oyster shell.

I offer both Oyster Shell and Granite Grit, each in separate containers.

I won't feed less than 18% Protein again, from my experience with a 16% Protein layers pellet last summer.

All the Brands above have Probiotics for digestive health. GC

 

[Spartan22]

I like the brands, (Blue seal home-fresh), (Nutrena Naturewise) and Purina.

I offer both Oyster Shell and Granite Grit, each in separate containers.

I won't feed less than 18% Protein again, from my experience with a 16% Protein layers pellet last summer.

All the Brands above have Probiotics for digestive health. GC

What was your experience with lesser protein feed last summer, if I may ask? What’s the benefits and con? Since my flock is growing I want to learn more.

 

[GC-Raptor]

What was your experience with lesser protein feed last summer, if I may ask? What’s the benefits and con? Since my flock is growing I want to learn more.

My 15 month old hens (at the time) were on a 18% pellet. I switched to a 16% pellet with flax for the Omega 3s.
I fed 3 bags last summer and their appearance and behavior changed for the worse.
I found a brand with 18% Protein with added flax, and within a month I saw an improvement in behavior and appearance and by month 3 their behavior and appearance were back to their previous selves.
Now I give treats daily and free range an hour before sunset daily weather permitting.
So if you're a Backyard Chicken owner, I think you and your chickens will be happier with a 18/20% feed. IMO. GC
Edited to add; my hens are 2 years old.

 

[peeper89]

Getting 8 week old hens

give chick starter 'til they start laying eggs then switch to lay feed

 

[Folly's place]

I feed everyone Purina Flock Raiser, 20% protein, with oyster shell in a separate container for the laying hens. The birds free range when possible, and get some scraps and occasional scratch.
Ask what the previous owner is feeding; you could feed a chick starter, medicated or not, and then switch to another feed later, or go with an all-flock feed (like Flock Raiser) forever.
Check the mill date on each bag of feed at the store, and get bags within one month of milling, or newer. Your choice of feed will depend in part on what's fresh at feed stores within driving distance, and that varies a lot.
Crumbles or pellets work fine; feeds made up of whole grains can be a problem. Birds will eat the yummy bits first, and leave the other stuff, and can easily unbalance their diet nutritionally.
Scraps, scratch, and treats are meant to be extras, no more than 10% of their total diet.
How many pullets are coming? If it's a small number, don't get the 50# bag of feed! It will last too long.
Chickens are fun!
Mary

 

[mpoland33]

I feed everyone Purina Flock Raiser, 20% protein, with oyster shell in a separate container for the laying hens. The birds free range when possible, and get some scraps and occasional scratch.
Ask what the previous owner is feeding; you could feed a chick starter, medicated or not, and then switch to another feed later, or go with an all-flock feed (like Flock Raiser) forever.
Check the mill date on each bag of feed at the store, and get bags within one month of milling, or newer. Your choice of feed will depend in part on what's fresh at feed stores within driving distance, and that varies a lot.
Crumbles or pellets work fine; feeds made up of whole grains can be a problem. Birds will eat the yummy bits first, and leave the other stuff, and can easily unbalance their diet nutritionally.
Scraps, scratch, and treats are meant to be extras, no more than 10% of their total diet.
How many pullets are coming? If it's a small number, don't get the 50# bag of feed! It will last too long.
Chickens are fun!
Mary

Thanks for the input Mary. I have 8 coming. 4 or 5 different breeds. Is 8 enough to go with a 50 lb bag I'm always trying to save a buck so I would have bought the 50 for the savings haha

 

[Folly's place]

Probably the 50lb bag will be fine, if it's fresh to start with. Store it in a metal garbage can to keep out rodents. What breeds? It's been long since I've only had eight at a time!
Mary

 

[mpoland33]

Probably the 50lb bag will be fine, if it's fresh to start with. Store it in a metal garbage can to keep out rodents. What breeds? It's been long since I've only had eight at a time!
Mary

I'm getting 2 Americaunas, 1 Barred Rock, 2 Buff Orpington, 1 Delaware, 1 speckled sussex, and 1 Australop

 

[mpoland33]

thanks for your help!