Feeding a multi-age flock

[Peregrine]

Quote:
X2. I just feed flock raiser or equivalent and put the oyster shell separate. Chicks and roosters don't seem to be interested in it.

What is "equivalent"? How can I tell if it's called something else?

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Give scratch as a treat. Toss a handful in to their run and let them have at it.

I'm not sure what the equivelent to Flock Raiser is. It is meant for mixed flocks. Chicks, hens, roo, ducks, turkey. I even use it for my quail.

The Grower finisher 20% is the closest

 

[the1honeycomb]

Wow what a great bit of educational info this post has brought thanks everyone. I will stop with the layer as well!! how much oyster shell do you put out and do you keep it in the coop?

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I have one of those plastic cups that can be attached to the side of a cage. I just keep it in there and fill it up when it's empty. Which is not very often. I've got the same small bag I bought 2 years ago. I also pop egg shells into the oven to dry them out, crush them and throw out when I give them some scratch

 

[Sierra pachie bars]

I do use starter for my babies. The rest of my gang gets flock raiser. I free feed oyster shells, and black seeds.

 

[Peregrine]

Quote:
The eggshells were going to be my next question. I give them crushed eggshells when I hard boil my eggs, but not the ones I just crack open raw. I read it was not good to give the hens raw eggs (or egg shells in the shape of eggs) because the hens might start eating their own eggs. I like the oven idea--did you mean microwave oven? I think that's what I'll try.

My next next question (

) was going to be how much oyster shell do they eat? My DH will be pleased to hear that a $20 bag will last a LONG time. How big is your flock? I only have 5 hens currently old enough to lay, but should have a few more by the end of the summer.

I guess if I can't find any flock feed I should feed them grower/finisher and oyster shells--correct?

 

[silkie_sue]

Quote:
If the first thing listed is Amprol ....it's medicated