Flock feed

[jp57]

I currently have 6 hens that are over a year old. I have introduced to the flock 2 girls that are only 13 weeks old. I have been trying to keep them eating separately to keep them from eating each other's food. I have heard that I can give everyone "flock feed". I would have to provide oyster shell for the older ones. I went to Tractor Supply and the only bag of feed that said it was for all flocks, was called "flock raiser". Is that what I am looking for ,or is that just for any kind of young bird?

 

[SueT]

Purina Flock Raiser is great! I feed it to everyone, all the time. There are other brands with names like All Flock. My chickens love the Flock Raiser. You need to add oyster shell on the side, and the hens will eat it as they need it, those that don't need it, won't.

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with @SueT Flock Raiser is just fine for chickens of all ages and sexes. Offer oyster shell on the side. Even if feeding a "layer" feed you should offer oyster shell on the side as the calcium in feed is generally not fully sufficient for all birds to successfully replenish what they lose each time they lay an egg.

 

[jp57]

I was just thrown off by the term "raiser". I have oyster shell already. I bought a 50 lb bag of it and my hens don't touch it since they free range. I'll finally have a use for it. Thanks

 

[Kiki]

Depends on the manufacturer of the feed.
Some call it All Flock.
Some Flock Raiser.
Sometimes if is even called All Poultry.
You may be interested in seeing this:
POULTRY FEED COMPARISION CHART (Feed brand NAMES needed)
For comparison purposes.

 

[jp57]

It's Purina flock raiser. I'm surprised it has more protein than the start and grow. I'm hoping it is a misprint, but the fat content of the Purina org. layer is listed at 25, while everything other one had 2.5-3. Thanks for the chart.

 

[Kiki]

It's Purina flock raiser. I'm surprised it has more protein than the start and grow. I'm hoping it is a misprint, but the fat content of the Purina org. layer is listed at 25, while everything other one had 2.5-3. Thanks for the chart.

Typo.
Thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can also use "grower" if all flock/flock raiser isn't available (my store only carries a few local brands).

 

[jp57]

I found the flock raiser at Tractor Supply. Put some oyster shell out for the older ones and got them switched over yesterday. There was some contention with the younger ones trying to eat with the older girls, so I set up another feeder for the younger ones and lured them to it.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would not feed more than 22% protein. While folks get upset about non laying birds consuming calcium, everyone seems to be on the band wagon: "More protein is better". High protein levels are implicated as a cause of gout. I put my whole flock on starter when I have youngsters, and switch to layer any time after the pullets start to cluck. Extra OS is always available.