Feeding a mix gender flock

[Katejc]

I have 3 chickens all 18 weeks. 2 are female and 1 is male. Only one seems like she is gearing up to lay. A lot of squatting and screeching so I know I need to switch her food. Should I just offer a supplement like oyster shell or should I switch all of them to layer feed? Thanks!

 

[chickenlittle21]

I recommend switching to layer feed. Layer feed does not hurt roosters and chickens generally don't eat the oyster shells.

 

[azygous]

Hens don't need layer feed. It's merely a commercially formulated convenience for large commercial egg operations so the calcium is included in one feed. Most small flocks thrive on an all-flock feed or even continued chick starter which is nearly identical to all-flock feed. Then provide oyster shell free choice and each laying hen will satisfy her own calcium needs.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed mine either a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock ration. I provide a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Back when I used to feed a layer my roosters didn't live as long as they do now.

 

[Katejc]

This is what they are on right now. If I choose to just add oyster shell, do I keep them on this forever?

 

[Katejc]

Also, I have my 9 week old chicks on this. I can get them different food if this isn’t suitable though. I’m off to do some reading.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

This is what they are on right now. If I choose to just add oyster shell, do I keep them on this forever?


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Protein is a bit low. A layer is generally 16% which is daily minimum requirements for a laying hen. I personally prefer 18% protein up to 20% protein for a bit of leeway as far as the protein requirements.

 

[Katejc]

Protein is a bit low. A layer is generally 16% which is daily minimum requirements for a laying hen. I personally prefer 18% protein up to 20% protein for a bit of leeway as far as the protein requirements.

Okay, that would be good for my chicks as well. Would my cockerel be ok on that? I have one and possibly another.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I feed everything either the starter grower or the all flock. Both have 18% protein. All my chickens, Turkeys, ducks, and geese. It's simple. I don't need to worry about who's laying or not as a layer ration has extra calcium and even non laying hens shouldn't be consuming extra calcium if it isn't necessary.

I start them on the starter and I switch them to the all flock which is a pellet when they are big enough to eat it. All Flock or flock raiser comes in a crumble or a pellet.

 

[azygous]

@oldhenlikesdogs and I are in agreement. Fifteen percent protein is not getting your money's worth and while it may suffice for chicks currently, it won't be enough as they get older and their bodies need more protein than they do now.

I'd go for a bare minimum of 18% protein and feed oyster shell free choice. The problem with feeding low protein is that as the chickens' protein requirements increase, they may seek protein from other sources such as each other's feathers. I feed 20% protein Flock Raiser and I ferment it, making available far more nutrients than dry feed.