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

[21hens-incharge]

I think that is a layer feed not an all flock.

Fine for a flock that is all female and near laying or actively laying.

I would feed hem that bag then switch to what you prefer to feed. One bag worth won't hurt anyone in the group.

 

[JukeboxJenny]

The feed is quit high on proteïne. But that should not be a problem.
What worries me about this feed is that they claim all flock. The ingredient list says 6% Calcium. This is too high for not laying chickens. It can cause kidney problems with chicks, roosters and hens that are not laying.

If I mix it with grains will it be ok?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If I mix it with grains will it be ok?

That should dilute it enough for this once.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Personally I don't think you need to mix it or dilute it. It is JUST one bag. It's not like you are feeding them all this for the rest of their lives.

I keep mixed ages and breeds of birds. I feed a 20% all flock and have birds from 11 weeks to over 10 years old.

 

[BDutch]

I still had over 1/2 bag layer feed last fall when most of my hens stopped laying. I mixed it with a grain+herb mix to reduce the calcium. And gave a little extra proteïne treats (mealworms) to my layers. I always give grit with oyster shells and crushed egg shells on the side.

Of course I don’t know if that was necessary, but it felt good to do so and I still have a healthy flock with 5 and 6 year old ladies in it.
Because my old ladies don’t lay much anymore I buy all flock now.

 

[NatJ]

If I mix it with grains will it be ok?

If you mix it with grains (as the bag says), then yes, it will be OK.

If you feed it un-mixed, then yes, it will also be OK.

 

[jpalmatier83]

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! View attachment 2195460View attachment 2195461

Stupid question. Asking for a friend. I don’t see “Mixed” flock anywhere on the bag. Granted, 20% may be a bit high protein content, but with 6% calcium could that be their layer formulation?

 

[NatJ]

with 6% calcium could that be their layer formulation?

With that much calcium, I think it has to be a layer feed. That's too high for anything else.

 

[sciencegrrrrl]

They should be fine at that age with 20%. Starter feed is higher in protein than layer feed, and they won't need the extra calcium until they begin to lay. Welcome to the BYC family! We were all new to chickens at some point...even if it was decades ago!

 

[Pghelp]

Oyster shell is great for layers, but if you like you can save egg shells, smash them into tiny bits, and add that for the layers. Chickens seem to know what they need. For mine, those who are laying dive for the calcium source sometimes before eating food!