I was given the wrong bag of food w/ 20% protein. Will it hurt my chickens?

[JukeboxJenny]

I asked for the layer pellets I usually get and they tossed this into my trunk and I didn’t notice until I got home.
can I give it to my chickens? They’re about 4-5 months old. Do I need to mix it with anything? On part of the bag is says it’s complete with no need to supplement and on another it says to mix it with grains.
Help please! Thanks!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I don't thinknyoubneed to, but you can mix it 50 50 if it makes you feel better. My birds get so many different things, they're not used to any one thing

 

[JukeboxJenny]

I don't thinknyoubneed to, but you can mix it 50 50 if it makes you feel better. My birds get so many different things, they're not used to any one thing

I’m new and saw something about too much protein so I got nervous. Haha

 

[Neggative]

just feed it to them its fine!

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I give my birds all 22% protein.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

20 isn't much higher than 16. Now if it had been the 30 some game birds have them it would be a different story

 

[azygous]

OMG! The feed store is trying to poison your chickens! Hah! Just kidding.

Actually, they did you a favor. Layer feed is only for hens that are actively laying. You can continue to feed this feed forever if you choose, and nothing bad will happen. In fact, chickens often prefer the taste of all-flock feed over layer feed. All you need to do is provide a calcium source, oyster shell, when your pullets start to lay eggs, and all will be just splendid in Chicken World.

 

[JukeboxJenny]

just feed it to them its fine!

Thanks!

 

[JukeboxJenny]

OMG! The feed store is trying to poison your chickens! Hah! Just kidding.

Actually, they did you a favor. Layer feed is only for hens that are actively laying. You can continue to feed this feed forever if you choose, and nothing bad will happen. In fact, chickens often prefer the taste of all-flock feed over layer feed. All you need to do is provide a calcium source, oyster shell, when your pullets start to lay eggs, and all will be just splendid in Chicken World.

Huh! Thanks! Good to know! I do have one laying...I need to get her some oyster shell then?

 

[HeatherKellyB]

OMG! The feed store is trying to poison your chickens! Hah! Just kidding.

Actually, they did you a favor. Layer feed is only for hens that are actively laying. You can continue to feed this feed forever if you choose, and nothing bad will happen. In fact, chickens often prefer the taste of all-flock feed over layer feed. All you need to do is provide a calcium source, oyster shell, when your pullets start to lay eggs, and all will be just splendid in Chicken World.

Yep! My pullet flock prefers Nutrena All Flock and Purina Flock Raiser soooo much more than layer feed. We decided on a compromise of Nutrena Hearty Hen Pellets (they're all almost year old layers and I like a little bit higher protein in this layer feed vs other layer feeds) and at night they get a mash made from Nutrena All Flock(which I buy to feed to my mixed flocks), Purina Flock Raiser(I buy because crumbles are fed to my young birds), mixed with water. Also, like @azygous mentioned, I offer oyster shell on the side for free choice, even though they mostly eat layer feed. They won't overindulge and calcium is so crucial to layers.