Feeding 25 week old hens mixed in with 13+ week old birds.. What feed?

[emartin]

I have a couple 25 week old hens that should lay any day now.

But they are in the same pen with both males and female chickens 13+ weeks.

Is it okay to feed ALL of them layer crumbles instead of Grower-CAL, or should I mix the grower crumbles with the layer crumbles, or should I just provide oyster shell until the others catch up?

Thanks,
~Ed

 

[valentinebaby]

I have decided to keep my chickens on the feed I've been giving them since the start: it's an "Allway" feed that is for starter-grower-layer and is 20% protein. I give free-choice crushed oyster shell as the calcium supplement for those who have started laying. Apparently they will eat it only if they need it. My understanding is that the main reason to place them on 16% layer ration is that it is usually fortified with calcium and less expensive (not my much IMO). Two of my girls started laying at 17 weeks and another joined in a week later. Now if the remaining 8 would start, I'll be able to satisfy my family and friend's requests!

 

[emartin]

Anyone else have any ideas or suggestions as well?

 

[emartin]

bump

 

[emartin]

I called BlueSeal feeds and they suggested to keep feeding the Grower-CAL to all of them until the pullets catch up to laying age and then switch to Layer.

Does anybody else agree?

And should I start providing Oyster Shell grit in the run and in the food to give the adult hens some extra calcium or should there be enough in the Grower-CAL?

~Ed

 

[vnploveschickens]

I feed mine Purina Flock Raiser and set out oyster shell for the layers. Its worked out very well. Now that all the girls are laying, I'll change to layer next bag.

You should have oyster shell separately for free choice. The girls know if they need it.