I need opinions asap about type of feed!

[cluckmecoop7]

I have 7 pullets and 1 cockerel.

Should I:

#1- feed layer pellets to everyone (+ oyster shell)
#2 - feed all flock to everyone (+oyster shell)

I'm getting different opinions! Please help!

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

You have a boy and the extra calcium can harm him in the long run. Definitely flock raiser and oyster shell. I feed this way and works very well, also if you have different ages at some point or hens go out of lay this is better. @U_Stormcrow knows alot about feeding

 

[Lemon-Drop]

People have different opinions.
Personally, since I have both a rooster, older/non-laying hens, young pullets/cockerels, and laying hens, I feed an all-flock/flock-raiser/whatever you want to call it along with oyster shell on the side.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Same here all flock mixed with last of chick feed. Oyster on side. Better protein that way.

 

[SueT]

All my chickens of all ages have been getting all flock for several years. (Oyster shell on the side). They like Purina Flock Raiser, which is 20% protein.

 

[Weeg]

All Flock + OS

 

[Black star night]

I have 7 pullets and 1 cockerel.

Should I:

#1- feed layer pellets to everyone (+ oyster shell)
#2 - feed all flock to everyone (+oyster shell)

I'm getting different opinions! Please help!

I feed only grublies starter. And I will continue this forever. No issues.

For the dust I sweep it up and mix it with apple sauce and they eat it that way.

 

[Sussex19]

You have a boy and the extra calcium can harm him in the long run. Definitely flock raiser and oyster shell. I feed this way and works very well, also if you have different ages at some point or hens go out of lay this is better.

Definitely agree with this.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I usually recommend that the typical backyard owner, of the typical backyard flock, with typical backyard management practices feed an All Flock/Flock Raiser* type crumble to all their birds, all their lives, with free choice grit, oyster shell, and fresh clean water available at all times in seperate dishes. Without regard to age, gender, onset of of lay, condition of molt, etc.

*Essentially an 18-20% protein, 3.5% fat+/-, 1.5% calcium +/-, 3.5% fiber +/- feed, preferably with about .6% Phosphorus, at least .35% Methionine, and .7% Lysine.

Because its easy for you, and its good nutrition for them. Crumble because the chicks can easily eat it to, but if you have a mixed gender all adult flock, pellet is fine. If you ferment, pellet is fine.

All of my adult birds - chickens and ducks - get exactly the same feed, which happens to be 20% protein. I feed my youngsters a higher protein mix for their first 6-8 weeks (basically, until they join the adult flock) as I have facilites to separate the flocks. My reasons for that are complicated, its not something I recommend for everyone. But All Flock, all the time, for all the birds of all the genders is a safe and easy way to raise chickens, ducks, geese. Doing something different has limited benefits in limited conditions, and should only be considered after weighing all practical options.

My flock is in my Sig, below. You can see the results of me feed regimen here.

 

[Brooks_]

Option two.