How much protein do you provide layers?

[barred2rock]

How much protein do you provide your layers?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine get 18%.

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Flock Raiser, and all-flock feed with 20% protein, with oyster shell on the side, and then free range, and some scratch and stuff. Mary

 

[GC-Raptor]

Currently, 16%, layers pellets. I have always fed 18% from day 1. Start & Grow crumbles, then layers mixed with crumbles at 16 weeks then straight layers pellets 18%.
The last time I went to buy, the 18% was 7 weeks old. The 16% was 3 weeks old. I only have 5 hens, so l need to get feed as fresh as i can.
I just dumped the last of the bag in the feeder over the weekend. No problems with the lower protein. But they only get a small amount of scratch grains as a treat, and free range 2 hours before sunset daily, weather permitting. My hens are 16 months old GC

 

[3riverschick]

If they are layers, may I suggest some black oil sunflower seeds instead of the Corn ? the corn will put fat on them. the fat doesn't stretch so the organs don't have extra room to accommodate the swelling that they do during the laying season. so if you can feed them some black oil sunflower seeds instead of the scratch, that probably be better for them during the laying season .
Best ,
Karen

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If they are layers, may I suggest some black oil sunflower seeds instead of the Corn ? the corn will put fat on them. the fat doesn't stretch so the organs don't have extra room to accommodate the swelling that they do during the laying season. so if you can feed them some black oil sunflower seeds instead of the scratch, that probably be better for them during the laying season .
Best ,
Karen

For once I will disagree with you. I have seen too many sunflower seeds make the insides of my turkeys greasy with fat, and cause prolapse. I have in the past fed more corn without seeing the problems I did feeding too many sunflower seeds. I would choose to over feed corn over black oil sunflower seeds. Both we would agree are best fed in moderation.

 

[Folly's place]

x2. Sunflower seeds are high in fat, and will be a problem if overfed. It's treat time, not to be overdone. Mary

 

[barred2rock]

x2. Sunflower seeds are high in fat, and will be a problem if overfed. It's treat time, not to be overdone. Mary

Sunday is BOSS day around here and only a handful for my five girls.