Feeding A Dual Purpose Flock

[deb1]

If this has been asked before I apologize. As many of you know McMurray's minimum is 25 chicks. I do not need 25 chickens, so I was thinking of eating some of the extras. I want those who lay eggs to have all the nutrients that they need for production but I would like the chickens that I am going to eat to have some meat on them. What feed is good for both laying eggs and meat?

Before anyone asks, I did not think, before I ordered to include some meat birds in my order of25. That would have made the whole thing much easier but I got over excited about all the wonderful breeds of laying hens.

I have Jersey Giants, Buff Orpingtons and Red Stars.

 

[katrinag]

Depending on when you ordered you might be able to change. I know people that feed flock raiser and just set out extra bowls of oyster shell.

 

[deb1]

Quote:
I had not thought of changing. I didn't know I could do that.

Is the only difference in types of feed the amount of calcium?

 

[katrinag]

Most place will let you change up till a couple days before they are ready to ship.
check this out
http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/FlockRaiser/default.aspx
I just feed layers at all except the babies.

 

[deb1]

Thank you. My husband and I are going to see if we can change our order just a bit.

 

[digitS']

Your meat birds should be gone weeks before the pullets are near the point of lay.

That would mean that all of them can be left on a grower feed up until you butcher the extras. Most people do not have access to a grower for meat birds and another grower for layers. Those formulas are not very different and a dual-purpose grower is fine to use for both groups of chicks.

And speaking of dual purpose, your extra pullets should be fine to send off to "freezer camp" if you are too late to change your order. I've used that approach many, many times. It is a good way to be able to choose which you will want to keep around in your yard. I am sometimes a little surprised at the variability of hatchery birds.

Steve

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. Hopefully you can change your order.