There is absolutely no reason to feed layer if you have birds of all ages and genders. There is no magic ingredient in it. Just a lot less protein, the bare minimum needed for eggs, and a lot of extra calcium. Some birds actually need more protein to produce eggs than layer feed provides. I have never even bothered with the stuff. For just a few more dollars, I get the higher protein flock raiser. The girls lay like champs. Some even lay through their molts. All they need is a bit of oyster shell set out for strong eggshells. The pullets are usually laying by 6 months of age, regardless of the time of year. And the cockerels reach processing size by just 14 weeks old. For me, there are simply too many benefits of feeding a slightly higher protein feed to ever consider buying layer feed.
There is absolutely no reason to feed layer if you have birds of all ages and genders. There is no magic ingredient in it. Just a lot less protein, the bare minimum needed for eggs, and a lot of extra calcium. Some birds actually need more protein to produce eggs than layer feed provides. I have never even bothered with the stuff. For just a few more dollars, I get the higher protein flock raiser. The girls lay like champs. Some even lay through their molts. All they need is a bit of oyster shell set out for strong eggshells. The pullets are usually laying by 6 months of age, regardless of the time of year. And the cockerels reach processing size by just 14 weeks old. For me, there are simply too many benefits of feeding a slightly higher protein feed to ever consider buying layer feed.
So you feed them a higher protein flock raiser? I don't think our feed store carries one, but I could ask them and see if they'd be willing to carry it or have it somewhere in the store. Buf, I think this is mainly up to choice what you feed your chickens. I know that our family has always had healthy roosters although we do let them free-range too and our neighbors all do too. I'll see about that Flock Raiser though. Do know what it is exactly called and/or the brand that makes it? Thanks!
There is absolutely no reason to feed layer if you have birds of all ages and genders. There is no magic ingredient in it. Just a lot less protein, the bare minimum needed for eggs, and a lot of extra calcium. Some birds actually need more protein to produce eggs than layer feed provides. I have never even bothered with the stuff. For just a few more dollars, I get the higher protein flock raiser. The girls lay like champs. Some even lay through their molts. All they need is a bit of oyster shell set out for strong eggshells. The pullets are usually laying by 6 months of age, regardless of the time of year. And the cockerels reach processing size by just 14 weeks old. For me, there are simply too many benefits of feeding a slightly higher protein feed to ever consider buying layer feed.
Thank you for all the advice! I'm going to look deeper into this and check the calcium levels in our layers crumbles it's supposed to be an all natural one, so is our neighbors, but I don't think that has anything to do with calcium levels. I don't feed them the highly modified stuff. Sometimes we mix grains and make our own chicken feed for a while, the girls like that. But, just a question because a couple more dollars a week on chicken food is a lot for our budget right now, buying the chick feed instead of the layers has been hard too because we have a lot of chickens, have you ever had a first hand experience where a rooster has died because of this? Ive had a cat die of confirmed liver failure by a vet who explained it me so, I know what the signs are and what to look for. I know that I hear a lot of things, like someone told me fhat feeding my chickens protein food permanently would make them quickly gain weight. But maybe things like that aren't true.
It's produced by Purina. It's the only feed other than medicated starter and layer feed that is available around here. Layer is about $16 for 50 lb bag. Flock Raiser is $18 for a 50lb bag. It's a two dollar difference. I buy 1 bag every 2 weeks for my free range flock of 18.
And no, a diet with more protein will not make them overweight. Too much scratch, on the other hand, will. Chickens (with the exception of cornish X meaties) do not overeat feed.
You can feed Roosters LAYER feed....Does not hurt them....I was informed this from the University Vet in poultry and Swine.....
Anyways....Free feed your Birds age appropriate feed...Treats at 5% a day...
You can feed Roosters LAYER feed....Does not hurt them....I was informed this from the University Vet in poultry and Swine.....
Anyways....Free feed your Birds age appropriate feed...Treats at 5% a day...
I'm gonna second everything @junebuggena has stated.
I use Purina Flock Raiser. $19 for 50# here. I have a mixed age and gender flock of 50. My flock is free range and has access to the garden and every bit of veg scraps we have goes to them. I don't consider those to be treats. Bread has no nutrients! How can it be "good" for them?!
I might switch to feeding the scraps in the morning so they can be filled up with their grain in the evening. People use scratch in the evening when they live in very cold climates because it digest hotter thereby keeping the chickens warmer. I offer oyster shell on the side. And if they have access to the outdoors, there is no reason to buy grit. I would offer that separately free choice as well. Layer feed has the BARE MINIMUM amount of protein to support egg laying. Scratch is like candy, so use sparingly. Not more than 10% treats is a sound #. Also, mealworms are expensive, a handful must be gone instantly! As far as offering both, the roosters might not be smart enough to avoid the layer feed. Or the chicks for that matter.
Even if many feed their roos layer and haven't seen problems, it CAN cause kidney issues. And for those who have seen it, it isn't pretty! Of course all are individuals just like us. And even though Ibuprofen works for me, it doesn't for my mom. I say why chance it if you plan to have your flock for a long time to come.
If your birds are not free range where they can find stuff all day, free choice is the way to go for feed. It will decrease flock tensions and save you a ton of time instead of feeding a bunch of times.
Just try not to leave feed out overnight where it can attract vermin or predators.
Your flock is good sized. Have you considered raising your own mealworms? It's very easy and not as gross as it seems. Plus, you could save some $ if you consider doing fermented feed. As much time as you're already spending to feed, it shouldn't increase your effort and is super easy as well. I couldn't believe the difference in the consistency of the poos when I switched. And they stink much less to!
As far as your feed store goes... They probably carry some sort of FLOCK RAISER or All Flock already. If it isn't to your liking, they can usually order what you want for about the same price even if they don't have a space to stock it in store. And that is true for just about every product. We have 2 LFS and the prices vary on the same product. One item was half the price. And both are competitive with amazon (usually slightly cheaper) on all supplies! If you can you might talk to the owner if the employees can't answer your questions. I have talked with our owners and they are ALWAYS more knowledgeable (than staff) and willing to work with me. If I found a better price on something, she WILL match it if she can so she still gets the sell even at slightly less than her intended profit margin and my business stays local.
One last thing, All birds and people are individuals. What works for some in one location may not work for others at another location. Everything we do is a personal choice. And many here disagree about what the right way is. So take the information and knowledge you have and make the best possible decision you can, for you.
