I Need Constructive Criticism / Advice

[MNChickens27]

Nature's Grown does make a soy free feed:
http://naturesgrownorganics.com/layers
If you particular store does not carry it they will probably order it for you if you ask.

• Organic Fine Feathered Premix Tag
• Organic Layer 14% Tag
• Organic Layer 16% Tag
• Organic Layer 16% No Soy Tag
• Organic Layer 16% Pellet Tag
• Organic Layer 18% Feed Tag
• Organic Layer 18% No Soy Tag
• Organic Layer 18% No Soy Pellet

Just called - they carry soy free organic pellet feed - YAY! Thanks so much!

 

[Kiki]

Just called - they carry soy free organic pellet feed - YAY! Thanks so much!

 

[MNChickens27]

They also said it's very common for the hens to pick out the treats like you folks suggested. Now that I think about it, when I check them each night I always lift up the feeder to see how much is left, even if it's dark they go crazy and jump down from their roost to start eating, very much like it's a treat! I think we are on to something!

 

[MNChickens27]

Just thought of another question, can excess grains like we are suspecting, lead to runny poop? That seems to be what's going on with that Plymouth Rock, she has a bunch of clumps on her lower feathers.

 

[Kiki]

Just thought of another question, can excess grains like we are suspecting, lead to runny poop? That seems to be what's going on with that Plymouth Rock, she has a bunch of clumps on her lower feathers.

Maybe.
I would wash her butt and trim the feathers.
See if her poop changes with the new feed.
If it does not you may want to think about having some poop tested for worms. Most vets will test it for pretty cheap..under $20.

 

[MNChickens27]

Maybe.
I would wash her butt and trim the feathers.
See if her poop changes with the new feed.
If it does not you may want to think about having some poop tested for worms. Most vets will test it for pretty cheap..under $20.

Thanks again KikisGirls, you have been a tremendous help!

 

[MNChickens27]

The information on that feed says "
Complete ration for laying hens which does not need an additional calcium supplement"

Does this mean I don't need to keep oyster shell out? Is there anything else I should provide my hens access too besides food and water? Thanks!

 

[Kiki]

The information on that feed says "
Complete ration for laying hens which does not need an additional calcium supplement"

Does this mean I don't need to keep oyster shell out? Is there anything else I should provide my hens access too besides food and water? Thanks!

The feed has added calcium in it.
I think if you already have oyster shell out then you should just leave it/continue.
I personally do not feed/add oyster shell and I have zero eggshell problems.

 

[MNChickens27]

so I just went to the store and they had pellet and crumble. I went with crumble, but when I filled up the feeder it was mostly powder, the gal at the store called it "mash" but insisted it was the same as crumble. Any opinion if mash is the same as crumble? TIA!

 

[Kiki]

so I just went to the store and they had pellet and crumble. I went with crumble, but when I filled up the feeder it was mostly powder, the gal at the store called it "mash" but insisted it was the same as crumble. Any opinion if mash is the same as crumble? TIA!

Pretty much the same thing.

May I suggest you look into fermenting that feed.
Fermented Feed FAQ | Tikk Tok

Even if you don't want to ferment it you could soak some feed in a little bit of water and serve that in a bowl twice a day.
Soaking it will get rid of the "powder".