feeding problem

[lazy gardener]

I am not fond of grower, b/c here it's only 15% protein. I would either use multi flock with free choice calcium or layer. While "they say" to not give layer to birds not yet at POL, I am not concerned about pullets who have lost their peep and found their cluck eating layer. IMO, any free range bird takes in more calcium than that found in layer. If extra calcium were problematic for a DP flock, we'd see free range birds dying earlier than the bird who spends her entire life penned. This is simply not the case! The studies attributing kidney damage to non laying birds that consumed extra calcium were based on broilers. Those birds are prone to many systemic issues simply based on their breeding.

 

[ronott1]

I am not fond of grower, b/c here it's only 15% protein. I would either use multi flock with free choice calcium or layer. While "they say" to not give layer to birds not yet at POL, I am not concerned about pullets who have lost their peep and found their cluck eating layer. IMO, any free range bird takes in more calcium than that found in layer. If extra calcium were problematic for a DP flock, we'd see free range birds dying earlier than the bird who spends her entire life penned. This is simply not the case! The studies attributing kidney damage to non laying birds that consumed extra calcium were based on broilers. Those birds are prone to many systemic issues simply based on their breeding.

Good points!
This is backyard chickens though. Most on here keep chickens in a city in the backyard. There will not be too many sources of nutrition in a backyard so supplementing is necessary if not using a layer feed.
Great advice for those that have acres of land to free range their chickens on.

 

[lazy gardener]

Good points!
This is backyard chickens though. Most on here keep chickens in a city in the backyard. There will not be too many sources of nutrition in a backyard so supplementing is necessary if not using a layer feed.
Great advice for those that have acres of land to free range their chickens on.

Even in a back yard, there is plenty of forage that is high in calcium, unless it is a back yard that is weed free!

And you raise a good point. We all approach questions and offer advice based on our own particular paradigm, and what works for us.

How ever, the point I am trying to make is this: A layer feed is not going to hurt an older pullet or cockrel.