Feeding Advice

[Kacey Elle]

Hello,

I have a flock of 18 chickens. Two of those 18 are about three weeks older than all the rest. Today, I got my first egg. I have three more bags of grower feed, which is what they've all been getting, and they have free choice oyster shells. Is it okay if I use up the grower feed or do I need to switch to layer immediately? Or should I buy just a few pounds of layer and offer that free choice? Will the laying chicken switch while the rest stay on grower?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Feed the grower if it's at least 16% protein with oyster shell on the side. GC

 

[Winwillows]

This^^^^^

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Feed the grower if it's at least 16% protein with oyster shell on the side. GC

X3, many use this feed program and never use layer rations

 

[lazy gardener]

Where I come from, grower is only 15% protein. But, if I had it, I'd be sure to use it up, and perhaps supplement with a higher protein addition. The important consideration with any feed is that it get used up before it has a chance to go rancid. A published poultry nutritionist states that 6 weeks after mill date, the nutrients in the feed are breaking down. No matter how great the sale, it's important to not stock pile feed, not buy more than you can reasonably expect to use up in that 6 week window, IMO.

 

[Kacey Elle]

Thanks for all the responses! I also appreciate learning that the feed can be rancid after just six weeks. Did not know that....