- Apr 7, 2012
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Is there anything wrong with keeping my hens and rooster on grower food as long as I provide oyster shells, or should I really switch to laying pellets?
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In my experience, when in doubt, mix em together and let the chickens decide... They know what they need
I always feed layer feed, even when mine molt, because 1) they don't molt at the same time, and 2) I've always been told they needed the extra calcium to help the feathers grow in.Layer feed, high in "hidden" calcium, cannot be sorted out by birds. Only layers should be fed the high calcium of Layer Feed. Non laying birds, such birds moulting, adolescents, chicks, roosters, etc have no way to expel the high calcium of Layer feed, only active egg layers can expel this calcium via the egg shell. High calcium causes grout and renal system damage in non-laying birds. This is why Layer Feed is not fed by many experienced breeders and flock keepers.
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Protein helps the feathers grow faster, not calcium.
I always feed a grower with oyster on the side. If the birds need more calcium for some reason, they can eat more freely - if they need less they have the option to not. I see no reason to use layer.