How Many Eggs Did You Get Today?

[EmmaDonovan]

What's the protein % on that layer feed? It's usually about 16%. You might switch them to all flock with a 20% protein. And cut out the treats so they don't fill up on those and not eat enough of the feed.

You're right, it's 16% protein. They get 1-2 scoops of grubs which are 40% protein (they don't free feed grubs). We've also been giving them a little salmon every few days to help with the molt.

Scratch & Peck makes another layer mash with 18% protein. I could switch to that when I'm through the feed I have on hand but that won't be until March.

The only feed I see from Scratch & Peck that's higher in protein than those two is their starter mash which is 20.5% protein. Are there any problems feeding starter mash to laying hens? Here's a link to the ingredients of the starter mash and here's a link to what they're eating now.

 

[Winderdear]

You're right, it's 16% protein. They get 1-2 scoops of grubs which are 40% protein (they don't free feed grubs). We've also been giving them a little salmon every few days to help with the molt.

Scratch & Peck makes another layer mash with 18% protein. I could switch to that when I'm through the feed I have on hand but that won't be until March.

The only feed I see from Scratch & Peck that's higher in protein than those two is their starter mash which is 20.5% protein. Are there any problems feeding starter mash to laying hens? Here's a link to the ingredients of the starter mash and here's a link to what they're eating now.

I also feed Scratch and Peck mash (dry) to my flock. I like that it’s organic and is mostly intact grains, so that I can sprout it if I want. I wish the flax was whole seeds and not meal though, my girls have no interest in eating powder, and unless I make wet feed it goes to waste.

 

[Ponypoor]

I got 9 eggs today. I don't know whom to blame for this, somebody posted what their eggs weigh so now I'm doing it, lol. I mean I'm weighing my eggs, I won't be posting it. I have to scroll back and find the app they were using. Sigh, like I have nothing better to do!
Anybody else have extreme weather moving in? We're expecting an ice storm tomorrow.

Please be very careful, I detest ice storms, snow is bad enough, but ice is just evil.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Oh, that makes sense. Is the feed served in crumble form or pellets?
Also, check the mill-by or mill date that it was milled on. Is it recent?

It's this:

I never even thought to check the date! The bags I have now all say best by 6/25. They'll be through it by 3/25.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

hope the ice isn’t too bad where you are, and that you and your flock stay safe!

Thank you! My only real concern is the possibility of downed lines from ice buildup on them. I don't think we've had an ice storm here since 2009, the year before I moved here from New Mexico. We stay stocked up on stuff so we're good!

Are there any problems feeding starter mash to laying hens

Nope, you can feed them starter, grower or all-flock, I understand they're all pretty much the same stuff. What matters is the protein levels.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

I also feed Scratch and Peck mash (dry) to my flock. I like that it’s organic and is mostly intact grains, so that I can sprout it if I want. I wish the flax was whole seeds and not meal though, my girls have no interest in eating powder, and unless I make wet feed it goes to waste.

I've noticed what's left over is very powdery, too. That's a good idea to make the powder into a mash.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Please be very careful, I detest ice storms, snow is bad enough, but ice is just evil.

Thank you so much! Should be no worries, we can stay home and ride it out. We go to church on Saturday (Sabbath), and we have plenty of everything, so no need to go anywhere tomorrow. DH works but hopefully roads will be clear and safe by Monday.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I also feed Scratch and Peck mash (dry) to my flock. I like that it’s organic and is mostly intact grains, so that I can sprout it if I want. I wish the flax was whole seeds and not meal though, my girls have no interest in eating powder, and unless I make wet feed it goes to waste.

Do they eat everything or pick and choose what they like?

 

[Ponypoor]

Thank you so much! Should be no worries, we can stay home and ride it out. We go to church on Saturday (Sabbath), and we have plenty of everything, so no need to go anywhere tomorrow. DH works but hopefully roads will be clear and safe by Monday.

I sure hope it by passes you, winter is not my favourite time of year, so much cold snow and ice.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I sure hope it by passes you, winter is not my favourite time of year, so much cold snow and ice.

Thanks. I grew up in Denver. Cold! But I spent the next 30 years in New Mexico. Aaaahhh. Sunshine, warm, nice! I'm okay here, we have a wood stove. I can go out and take care of my chooks, run back inside and get warm.