hens still not laying

[EggSighted4Life]

Purina Flock Raiser is crumbles only, but Nutrena make a 40 pound bag of all flock pellets.

I have it in crumbles and pellets at my LFS... unless they quit making the pellets in this past month.

Also, if I'm not mistaken... Nutrena is made by Purina.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-you-should-stop-feeding-layer-feed-now.73535/

That's a nice article... but it's kind of fear mongering.

Even though I used to tout and spread the same information... with more research I found that the kidney issues caused by EITHER too much calcium OR protein.. is more often than not about predisposal to it genetically. There are many factors at play.

On top of that the whole animal protein thing... What the birds can't thrive without is the AMINO ACIDS which are ADDED in to most feeds.

Also, I get your persistence about the subject (and really do agree for the most part) but from the very first post, I gathered that the OP was already in the process of trying to switch feeds.

Also, I find genetics to MORE at play with lay onset then feed. I have fed 20% flock raiser with OS on the side for a few years now... and still had a Wyandotte not lay until 8 months, a Delaware not lay until 9 months, and a Leghorn not lay until 24 weeks (6 months)! I NEVER diminish my feed with treats either.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

looks like purina is the only brand of flock raiser. they only have crumbles at my feed store so I think it'll be fine. I'll try it

I have been using it for a long time.

It can help if raise the feeder so that it is level with the top of their backs. And when you want it's perfectly fementable. Though I don't personally ferment any more after more than a year of feeding nothing but. I decided through more research that formulated rations are meant to meet the needs of the birds. You don't get something for nothing. Since the ration is formulated to meet their needs correctly is my altering of that actually going to benefit them? Meh, I still have birds JUST as healthy as when I fermented and have a lot more time to do whatever I want.

 

[casportpony]

I have it in crumbles and pellets at my LFS... unless they quit making the pellets in this past month.

You have Purina Flock Raiser Pellets? Can you post a picture of the bag? I just checked the website and don't see it:
https://www.purinamills.com/products/chicken-feed
https://www.purinamills.com/products/game-bird-feed

 

[EggSighted4Life]

You have Purina Flock Raiser Pellets? Can you post a picture of the bag? I just checked the website and don't see it:
https://www.purinamills.com/products/chicken-feed
https://www.purinamills.com/products/game-bird-feed

I will check if I still have it.

I also remembered something yesterday...

The ladies who do come into lay later... will be laying larger eggs from day one than they would as really young pullets. So that does help offset the frustration a little.

 

[Welshies]

I have it in crumbles and pellets at my LFS... unless they quit making the pellets in this past month.

Also, if I'm not mistaken... Nutrena is made by Purina.


That's a nice article... but it's kind of fear mongering.

Even though I used to tout and spread the same information... with more research I found that the kidney issues caused by EITHER too much calcium OR protein.. is more often than not about predisposal to it genetically. There are many factors at play.

On top of that the whole animal protein thing... What the birds can't thrive without is the AMINO ACIDS which are ADDED in to most feeds.

Also, I get your persistence about the subject (and really do agree for the most part) but from the very first post, I gathered that the OP was already in the process of trying to switch feeds.

Also, I find genetics to MORE at play with lay onset then feed. I have fed 20% flock raiser with OS on the side for a few years now... and still had a Wyandotte not lay until 8 months, a Delaware not lay until 9 months, and a Leghorn not lay until 24 weeks (6 months)! I NEVER diminish my feed with treats either.

It is a bit fear mongering, I'll admit.
I did link multiple sources for my argument, though. The whole animal protein thing was not saying they CAN'T survive without animal proteins, just listing it as a consideration for flock owners.
And I do agree, genetics play a big part, but feed does too.

 

[PirateGirl]

Ranchway Feed makes an 18% or 20% feed as well (I forget which and the bag isn't handy). I just upped my girls protein and between that and the lengthening days I've got two new layers. Good luck. I'm still waiting on one about the same age as yours who was a bit delayed developmentally. They'll get there.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I did link multiple sources for my argument, though.

OK, I didn't check your links, but I will do that.

That's just it though...
Studies can focus on anything they want with out telling the whole story. I can ALWAYS find evidence to support my stance. But what I want to know is the whole truth, not just one side of the story.

Just a basic statement of what I see in general... its like headlines made to grab attention, to me... half truths.

But again I will still go read you resources and keep an open mind as I do so. I AM here to learn... and to have my thoughts challenged... in the direction of growth.

 

[casportpony]

OK, I didn't check your links, but I will do that.

That's just it though...
Studies can focus on anything they want with out telling the whole story. I can ALWAYS find evidence to support my stance. But what I want to know is the whole truth, not just one side of the story.

Just a basic statement of what I see in general... its like headlines made to grab attention, to me... half truths.

But again I will still go read you resources and keep an open mind as I do so. I AM here to learn... and to have my thoughts challenged... in the direction of growth.

 

[Welshies]

OK, I didn't check your links, but I will do that.

That's just it though...
Studies can focus on anything they want with out telling the whole story. I can ALWAYS find evidence to support my stance. But what I want to know is the whole truth, not just one side of the story.

Just a basic statement of what I see in general... its like headlines made to grab attention, to me... half truths.

But again I will still go read you resources and keep an open mind as I do so. I AM here to learn... and to have my thoughts challenged... in the direction of growth.

It really is personal preference, I will admit... no matter what side one stands on there will be evidence to support a statement... whether or not it is manipulated is based on the writer or speaker. Some flocks work better on different management methods than others do, I would never force anyone to change... but i willl certainly throw the information out there.