Grower Feed?

[chicklover 1998]

Quote: That is probably the reason why he didn't get any eggs they were not getting the correct nutrients from the grower feed that they need to lay eggs

 

[junebuggena]

There is absolutely no reason why you need to switch them to layer feed. Layer feed is for actively laying birds only, and the protein content is just barely enough to support laying. A higher protein feed like grower, all flock, or flock raiser will actually be better if you like to give lots of treats or have birds in the flock that aren't laying. Always provide a source of calcium for birds that are laying.

 

[ashley6388]

That makes sense. Thank you.

 

[Chris09]

Thanks everyone. I figured Grower feed was for younger chicks. Instead of oyster shells could I crush egg shells instead?

You can feed egg shells BUT keep in mind egg shells are not the best source of calcium for them and they should be fed oyster shells.

Eggs shells have a small calcium particle size and will have a negative affect on the *egg specific gravity.
To have eggs with a good specific gravity you need to have calcium with large particle size in there diet. The best source of large particle size would be oyster shells.

* Egg specific gravity is a test that is done to tell the quality of a egg sell.
Having a poor specific gravity means a egg has poor shell quality and thin shells.