Increasing Protein

[lmdengler]

I was wondering - Can you mix pellet layer feed with starter grower feed to provide the laying chickens with a higher protein feed?

 

[sylviethecochin]

I was wondering - Can you mix pellet layer feed with starter grower feed to provide the laying chickens with a higher protein feed?

Yep. Though I prefer to mix pellets with pellets and crumble with crumble, because I only feed twice a day, and if I mix it, all of the crumble falls to the bottom of the pan, so the latecomers and the boss hens get most of it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, or you can just feed a non medicated starter grower with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. A layer isn't necessary. I personally feed an All Flock ration.

 

[lmdengler]

I was feeding the all flock raiser which is 20% and $17.58 a bag. 1 got an egg every day - perfect shells - even in the winter. Then I switched to 16% at $13.99 a bag. The 16% caused weird shells and decreased egg laying. So I wondered about mixing the starter 24% mixed with the layer feed 16%. Each costing 13 and change a bag - hoping I would get back to an egg a day and perfect shells at a more economical path

 

[lmdengler]

Yep. Though I prefer to mix pellets with pellets and crumble with crumble, because I only feed twice a day, and if I mix it, all of the crumble falls to the bottom of the pan, so the latecomers and the boss hens get most of it.

That makes sense. So do you recommend i take the bag
Of pellets back and exchange it for layer crumbles ? The pellets are the layer feed

 

[centrarchid]

I cheat when mixing a high protein crumble and lower protein pellet. Water is added to prevent separation; not much just enough to make particles swell as little.

 

[sylviethecochin]

That makes sense. So do you recommend i take the bag
Of pellets back and exchange it for layer crumbles ? The pellets are the layer feed

Either that, or you might try dampening the feed before giving it to them. I don't know if your feeder will accomodate that, but it should make the feed stick together and not sift.

As for the mixing thing--I had the same thought process, and do the same thing, though I mix for 18%. Our local Rural King sells 16% feed for 10.29 for a 50 lb bag.

 

[Folly's place]

I buy the Flock Raiser where it's fresh and $15.99/ bag, not 20 miles away where it's $17+. At least right now! Have you checked around for better pricing? It doesn't pay to drive long distances, but maybe there's a better source nearby.
Mary