There are a few ways to go about feeding chickens, to say the least. Here are some:
1. Layer feed = 16% protein
2. Flock Raiser type feeds, or non-medicated chick starter = 20% protein
3. A mix of Flock Raiser and scratch grains = (lowers the protein from 20% somewhat)
4. Grains and seeds homemade mix with any additives you wish- tends to be more expensive
5. Feed mill mix (THE cheapest way to go)
Offer oyster shell and grit on the side (if free ranging they can possibly find their own sharp grit depending on the soil).
So it sounds that if you wish to keep giving lots of grains on the side, you might consider buying one of the high protein feeds like Flock Raiser so that you will end up near 16% protein.
Alternatively, if you offer layer feed and keep treats/extra grains at near 10% of the feed, that will be also successful.
The layer feed does have too much calcium for roosters but a lot of folks (myself included) never consider the needs of the roosters separately. Flock raiser is optimal for roosters because you HAVE to give oyster shell on the side for the layers with a feed like that.
1. Layer feed = 16% protein
2. Flock Raiser type feeds, or non-medicated chick starter = 20% protein
3. A mix of Flock Raiser and scratch grains = (lowers the protein from 20% somewhat)
4. Grains and seeds homemade mix with any additives you wish- tends to be more expensive
5. Feed mill mix (THE cheapest way to go)
Offer oyster shell and grit on the side (if free ranging they can possibly find their own sharp grit depending on the soil).
So it sounds that if you wish to keep giving lots of grains on the side, you might consider buying one of the high protein feeds like Flock Raiser so that you will end up near 16% protein.
Alternatively, if you offer layer feed and keep treats/extra grains at near 10% of the feed, that will be also successful.
The layer feed does have too much calcium for roosters but a lot of folks (myself included) never consider the needs of the roosters separately. Flock raiser is optimal for roosters because you HAVE to give oyster shell on the side for the layers with a feed like that.