How do you feed a flock with mixed ages and sexes?

[BantyChooks]

Technically yes it could, too much calcium can cause kidney damage and other issues. An all flock is good, or just a starter/grower will work too, as long as with either option you offer oyster shell on the side.

And most often the only signs are falling over dead.

 

[CannedMonster]

I don’t know about health issues or anything but my birds seem more satisfied with the grower feed.
I’m just starting out with chickens so I don’t know a lot but I do lots of research.
Most of the people on BYC seem to recommend grower with oyster shell.
One of my pullets just started laying and I’ve watched her go eat the oyster shell.
She seems to know what it’s for.
Her first eggs have been great! No problems with them.

 

[LaceyRenea1988]

Wow I didn't realize there was such a controversy on this subject.. I sure do appreciate everyones input! Although i still kind of feel like im at square one still.... So if i change to all flock and offer the oyster shell.. Whats to stop the roos and younger ones from eating the oyster shell??

 

[Pyxis]

Wow I didn't realize there was such a controversy on this subject.. I sure do appreciate everyones input! Although i still kind of feel like im at square one still.... So if i change to all flock and offer the oyster shell.. Whats to stop the roos and younger ones from eating the oyster shell??

They don't need it, and they know they don't need it, so they don't eat it

 

[BantyChooks]

Supposedly they won't eat it if they don't need it.

Wow I didn't realize there was such a controversy on this subject.. I sure do appreciate everyones input! Although i still kind of feel like im at square one still.... So if i change to all flock and offer the oyster shell.. Whats to stop the roos and younger ones from eating the oyster shell??

 

[LaceyRenea1988]

They don't need it, and they know they don't need it, so they don't eat it

Thank you so much!

 

[chickens really]

you cant use starter and grower they are layer if you use starter and grower youll hurt the chance of soft eggs they must be on egg layer and oyster shell to help harden the eggs

In reality layer does not contain enough protein to keep many breeds of Hens balanced in nutrition..Behavioural problems develop..All mine are fed grower with oyster shell in a separate bowl and a treat once a week..

 

[Toothpick]

I basically started with a 50# bag of grower. Once that bag was gone I switched to layer. Everyone gets layer feed. Even the roosters. That's news to me that they don't need layer feed. But it does make sense. However, I don't have oyster shell available yet.