General Feeding Question(s)

[Brooks_]

I'm sure all of this is covered in various threads, but there are a lot of threads to sort through.
My mixed sex flock is currently just over 9 weeks old and is being fed starter/grower 20%. I was thinking about keeping them on that until 16-18 weeks (maybe as soon as next bag) then switching them to grower/finisher 15% and then leave them on that as I can't think of a way to feed the roosters separately, nor do I want to. Once the hens are laying my plan is to spread oyster shell in the run area but I don't know how much (is there a pound per bird per week formula?). Is this a bad idea?

Also, I have have a bag of 5 grain scratch that I thought I would hold on to for the winter when there are less bugs and things for them to go after. Yes or no?

As for the grit, I have just been spreading that in the run area, but I'm not sure how much/often I should do it. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[CurlyQuail]

Once the hens are laying my plan is to spread oyster shell in the run area but I don't know how much (is there a pound per bird per week formula?). Is this a bad idea?

I’ve always read it’s best to keep the oyster shell in a container at free choice. Let them see it’s for eating and then leave it in the pen and they’ll eat when they need the calcium.

As for the grit, I have just been spreading that in the run area, but I'm not sure how much/often I should do it. Any tips?

Same deal as the oyster shell. Offer in a container at free choice

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I’ve always read it’s best to keep the oyster shell in a container at free choice. Let them see it’s for eating and then leave it in the pen and they’ll eat when they need the calcium.

Same deal as the oyster shell. Offer in a container at free choice

I second that.

Also good call on keeping on grower feed. You should aim for 16-17% protein though as that’s what’s required for laying hens. Your rooster will thank you

You can also save egg shells and mix with the oyster shells. Good luck!

 

[Sonya9]

Also keep oyster shell in a dish here. The idea is that only the layers that need it will eat it, not the non-layers as excess calcium is unhealthy. If it is spread around the pen other birds will end up ingesting it.

 

[Brooks_]

Thanks for the tips. I was looking at the 15% as it was the same brand I already use. I guess I'll look for a 16-17% in another brand.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My mixed sex flock is currently just over 9 weeks old and is being fed starter/grower 20%. I was thinking about keeping them on that until 16-18 weeks (maybe as soon as next bag) then switching them to grower/finisher 15% and then leave them on that as I can't think of a way to feed the roosters separately, nor do I want to. Once the hens are laying my plan is to spread oyster shell in the run area but I don't know how much (is there a pound per bird per week formula?). Is this a bad idea?

I like a feed with 18 to 20% Protein for all ages of chickens.
I would continue the Starter-Grower if it's Non-Medicated. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% to my Barred Rock hens, 23 months old.
I keep my Oyster Shells and Granite Grit in separate containers. I drilled 3/32" holes in the bottom to drain moisture. I hang in a corner with an eye screw for easy removal and to prevent tip over.

I offer the Oyster Shells after 15 weeks. GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

Also, I have have a bag of 5 grain scratch that I thought I would hold on to for the winter when there are less bugs and things for them to go after. Yes or no?

I forgot about that Scratch. I start offering Scratch as a treat after 10 weeks
A Tbsp a day per chicken.

I wouldn't wait till winter. Like feed, Scratch Grains will go stale, just not as fast as feed.
In winter you could double the amount of Scratch.
I give a serving mid-morning and afternoon.
Scratch makes a great treat to call your chickens by shaking the can and calling, chick, chick, chick, or something similar.
My youngest pullets 13 weeks, don't free range yet, but I have them trained to come when I shake the can and say chook, chook, chook. No I'm not English, nor in Australia, but I just love saying that.

GC

 

[Brooks_]

I like a feed with 18 to 20% Protein for all ages of chickens.
I would continue the Starter-Grower if it's Non-Medicated.

I've been using DuMor (TSC) starter/grower 20%. It doesn't say medicated, doesn't say non-medicated either. It does have a warning about copper...not for other animals type thing. Can I just stick with this?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've been using DuMor (TSC) starter/grower 20%. It doesn't say medicated, doesn't say non-medicated either. It does have a warning about copper...not for other animals type thing. Can I just stick with this?

Yes you can. That feed is Non-Medicated.
It would say Medicated on the tag on bottom of bag or on the bag itself.

GC