Feeding mixed flock

[RiverviewHen]

I have 8 hens , 1 rooster and 4 bbb turkeys. Currently they are on purina flock raiser, 5 grain scratch, lots of veggie scraps and they free range half the day. My hens started laying a couple weeks ago. I would like to move them to purina laying feed. I am wondering if it is safe for my turkeys. They are about 5 months old. Flock raiser is 20% protein. I believe the purina laying feed is 18% protein

 

[Pork Pie]

Why not offer oyster shell in a separate feeder, and keep the feed as it is? The layers should take a little of the oyster shell, and those not needing the calcium boost will ignore it - just a thought...

 

[RiverviewHen]

I wasn't sure if layer feed had more the layers needed other than calcium.

 

[Pork Pie]

I wasn't sure if layer feed had more the layers needed other than calcium.

Not that I am aware of. Many people that keep a mixed flock use the feeding method I suggested - keeps things as simple as possible.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have 8 hens , 1 rooster and 4 bbb turkeys. Currently they are on purina flock raiser, 5 grain scratch, lots of veggie scraps and they free range half the day. My hens started laying a couple weeks ago. I would like to move them to purina laying feed. I am wondering if it is safe for my turkeys. They are about 5 months old. Flock raiser is 20% protein. I believe the purina laying feed is 18% protein

Purina Layena is 16% Protein.
I went to Purinas website and the information on Flock Raiser, recommends, keeping Turkey's on Flock Raiser till laying age of 30/32 weeks. GC

 

[RiverviewHen]

Ok so 8 more weeks and I will be okay to switch to layer feed? The flock raiser in pellets is sooo hard to find here. I have to order it. The crumbles just make a mess.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Ok so 8 more weeks and I will be okay to switch to layer feed? The flock raiser in pellets is sooo hard to find here. I have to order it. The crumbles just make a mess.

I agree, pellets are way better. I can't find them at TSC. GC

 

[RiverviewHen]

I have a purina feed store close to me. They will order the pellets for me. I just am horrible about picking up the phone and getting them ordered.

 

[barred2rock]

Ok so 8 more weeks and I will be okay to switch to layer feed? The flock raiser in pellets is sooo hard to find here. I have to order it. The crumbles just make a mess.

If you raise the feeder/bowl high enough that they have to stretch their necks to reach the feed they won't scratch it out. Or you could switch to fermented feed. I have a large bowl screwed to a wall, they can't scratch the feed out even if they happen to stand in it.

 

[RiverviewHen]

I just feel like I am paying for dust with crumbles. I really like pellets better unless I am feeding chicks. What is fermented feed?