Grower/Layer Feed Mix to Laying Hens

[PowerChanS]

I've come across a couple YouTube videos like the following

that are essentially saying that 16% protein is bare minimum for laying hens - therefore layer feed containing 16% protein is not ideal for backyard chickens, and that companies make layer feeds to have 16% as cost-saving measures.

I do not know if there are studies to back this claim, but I see how that could be true. Also, I'm inclined to believe that "excessive" protein (protein amount over 16%) shouldn't hurt the chickens, since human digestive system is capable of converting excessive protein into carb or fat.

Now with that said, I'm thinking about mixing grower feed (20% protein) and layer feed (16%) to feed my chickens once they start laying (my chicks are about 4 months old). I believe this would help especially since I give our household food scrap and scratch feed as treats and they often have less-than-ideal protein amount. Would there be a drawback to this? Is there any other difference between grower feeds and layer feeds besides the protein content?

I will be providing my chickens with crushed oyster shell so I'm not too concerned with calcium deficiency.

How are your laying hens fare with 16% layer feed?

Your opinions are appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I saw feather, and egg eating when I fed a layer and too many extras. Either feed nothing extra at the 16%, or feed a higher protein ration to keep deficiencies at bay. You still should limit low protein extras, and extra in general to keep the diet as balanced as possible. I personally feed a 18% all flock ration or a 18% starter if I'm raising chicks in the flock. Calcium needs are met by a free choice oyster shells.

 

[Ridgerunner]

that are essentially saying that 16% protein is bare minimum for laying hens - therefore layer feed containing 16% protein is not ideal for backyard chickens, and that companies make layer feeds to have 16% as cost-saving measures.

You can find anything on the internet. A lot of things can seem "logical". Remember that I'm on the internet when I respond to this.

Commercial laying chickens are bred to lay a lot of nice sized eggs and have relatively small bodies. With their bodies smaller than the dual purpose chickens many of us have, they do not need as much nutrition for body maintenance. With their bodies fine tuned to use more of what they eat to make eggs, they simply do not need high amounts of protein. They can lay a lot of nice sized eggs and maintain their body quite well on a 16% protein feed. Protein is expensive compared to other things. Why would a commercial operator spend extra money to feed his layers when they do not need it?

I do not consider commercial operators heartless brutes for feeding a 16% Layer. I find them to be following practices that are established to maintain good egg production and keep their chickens in a healthy condition. Productivity would drop if the chickens were unhealthy.

I don't have my links anymore, too many computer crashes where I lost data. Many years ago I read where excess protein in these layers can cause medical problems. It can cause them to release more than one yolk a day to start the internal egg making process which leads to soft shelled eggs or other problems. Why would a farmer spend more than they have to just to cause medical issues? Their chickens are livestock, not pets.

In my opinion, this does not apply to our dual purpose chickens. With their bigger bodies they can handle more protein than the commercial layers. Cornish X meat chickens are bred to convert feed to meat. Commercial layers are bred to convert feed to eggs. They both require a specific diet to achieve best results. Our dual purpose birds are not specialists like the CX or commercial layers.

As long as you don't get ridiculous I don't think feeding them extra protein will harm them. I feed mine an 18% starter-grower until they are 4 or 5 weeks old, then they go on a 16% grower forever with oyster shell on the side for calcium. Mine also forage for a lot of what they eat so I've lost the ability to micromanage every bite they eat anyway.

Is there any other difference between grower feeds and layer feeds besides the protein content?

I will be providing my chickens with crushed oyster shell so I'm not too concerned with calcium deficiency.

The purists will find something in microdifferences in certain nutrients but to me there is not a significant difference in anything other than protein and calcium in most feeds. You've covered those. I'd feel better about that broad statement if you could post the analysis on the label so we could see what the percentages of the other nutrients are. There are a lot of different feeds out there, some balanced and some not.

How are your laying hens fare with 16% layer feed?

Mine are basically on Grower with oyster shell on the side and a fair amount of foraging, but mine lay a lot of eggs the size they are supposed to lay. They are generally very healthy. They have no problems flying up and down to and from 5 feet high roosts. They are not so heavy for their breed that they damage their legs when landing. They chase bugs and enjoy dust baths. I get good hatches from their eggs. Mine are dual purpose, mainly mixes of Sussex, Delaware, Orpington, Australorp, Rock, and Ameraucana.

A disclaimer: If you have been feeding a higher protein feed to your flock you probably should continue feeding it. Their bodies may have become dependent on that extra protein.