Help! What do I feed my mixed flock??!

[Vicker]

Nutrena Nature Wise All Flock is more economical than Kalbach, although I do like Kalmbach. I offer a tray of oyster shell beside the feeder. I don't trust Purena after so many of us had chickens that stopped laying a couple years back. Egg production resumed after switching brands.

 

[Virginiachickens]

I am not sure this is the right forum to post to but I have a question - my flock just transitioned to all flock crumbles from chick starter as we had a little one in the mix for a bit. Now NO ONE is eating the all flock crumbles, they look at it like it has poison in it! I splurged and got the extra expensive organic one too! Any thoughts? We have a rooster, a younger rooster, and adult hens of various ages but mostly 1 1/2-3 years old

 

[thecatumbrella]

I am not sure this is the right forum to post to but I have a question - my flock just transitioned to all flock crumbles from chick starter as we had a little one in the mix for a bit. Now NO ONE is eating the all flock crumbles, they look at it like it has poison in it! I splurged and got the extra expensive organic one too! Any thoughts? We have a rooster, a younger rooster, and adult hens of various ages but mostly 1 1/2-3 years old

Make sure the food smells fresh, there’s no pests/mold, and no humidity’s gotten to it (it should feel dry and crunchy). If all these conditions are met, make that the ONLY thing the chickens get to eat. They’ll come around. Chickens don’t like change and will hunger strike if you suddenly change foods on them.

 

[Folly's place]

Agree, and check the mill date on the bag, it's best fed within two months of it's mill date.
Mary

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Does anyone see a problem with the mix of layer and chick starter? That is 18% protein and less calcium that they need, so OS/ES on the side.
Next summer, I may make the ratio 40% layer/60% chick starter. The oldest hens will turn 3 next summer and youngest 1. Of course OS/ES on the side.

I am thinking of this because of the cost, but want to take care of the chickens. They have appeared to do well/healthy for the past 2+ yrs on it, and laying well. The All Flock cost is more than the 20% chick starter.

Comments on why you think it's okay and why you think it's not. I can take constructive criticism. I also know that flocks do well with different feeds. Always learning.

The benefits of doing this are nearly 0, and the consequences are slightly higher. I do something like this, but I'm mixing a 24% with a 16%. End result more calcium than is good for my roosters, not enough for my Layers, but 20% CP with better AA balance than other alternatives at similar price point. It's all about risk balancing - but we'd need to know a lot more to help you accurately weigh those risks for yourself.