Feeding a mixed flock

[chicknmania]

OK, if scratch is a hot feed and shouldn't be given in the summertime, and layer is bad for roosters, what is the best commercial feed to feed them in the summer? Ours don't really need layer in the summer anyway, cause they're free range, but currently we feed them layer with a little scratch mixed in. They have table scraps or free range for the rest. There is no way we can separate the roos from the hens at feeding time. So far the layer has not had any ill effect on the roos. Commercial feed is a preference for us, rather than mixing our own, cause we only have limited resources in this area.

 

[silkiechicken]

I would just give free choice layer pellets to everyone and call it good. Thats what I do and for winter, just add in a cup of scratch at night only. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

[justusnak]

Same here Silkie......mine get layer pellets...hens and roos...plus they free range...and every evening they get a few hand fulls of scratch..( thier treat for coming home at night)

During the winter, they get a mix of layer pellets, and corn....for the heat. And of course, scratch in the evening. Has worked for over a year for ours, and we get LARGE eggs all year long.

 

[chicknmania]

Our feed mill here doesn't carry the layer pellets; only this dusty stuff they call layer feed. I guess it's the same thing?

 

[dlhunicorn]

I offer two types (only adult birds here)...a layer organic mix (for the girls) and a grower mix for the boys...free choice oystershell and yogurt for the girls to combat any calcium deficiency. The boys will avoid the calcium laden feed if given another choice.

 

[foxtrapper]

Scratch shouldn't be given in the summer and layer is bad for roosters? Boy, some of you folks really overcomplicate feeding.

Like many, I've fed layer to all my birds for many years now with good results. Geese, ducks, chickens, guinea, pigeons, quail, hawks, etc.

And I never bother with cracked corn, shelled works just fine. Cheaper, that's why I use it.

 

[chicknmania]

My son says he's just giving them cracked corn night now. They get plenty of other stuff on their own. I'll tell him about the shelled corn.

 

[dlhunicorn]

depends on what your purpose in raising the birds are and what your level of acceptable loss is within a certain time period... if you have them as pets as I do then that is quite different from one who has a flock for farming or laying purposes only...

 

[Whirlwind]

chickenmania... the dusty stuff called layer feed is what they call crumbles here. That is what mine eat. Same as layer pellets only crushed up. It will work fine.

 

[Kerr]

oh oh

Ok just when I thought I had it all straight.....

I have one Hen who gives me an egg everyday
I have 5 more (will be egg laying chicks)
and a white meat chick (his name is meat - don't laugh) & he's my pet

I have no idea what kind any of them are and as soon as I figure out how to post photos I'll be asking everyone!!!

Anyways in the morning I make them oatmeal with plain sunflower seeds mixed with a bit of tuna
(tuna when they can't roam that is)

They all have access to chick feed from 7 am to 7pm
and when I'm home (and outside in the garden)they mill around the grounds eating weeds and worms.

Early evening my 3 yr old throws them some scratch (which they share with the chipmunks)

At dusk they are locked up for sleep time with water only.

The whole family is very healthy and freak out in the morning when they see their breakfast.....

Anyone have any suggestions? Thought I was doing good but reading some comments I think I've created some very spoiled chickens....

Kerri