Is 16% protein enough for laying hens??

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I am looking for a good feed for my laying hens and I was thinking about Organic Henhouse Reserve (Kalmbach Feed), but it only has 16.00% protein... Is that enough for laying hens? Also, is it a good food for the cost? I have 11 hens (6 are pullets), who stay in a large run and have access to a compost.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I am looking for a good feed for my laying hens and I was thinking about Organic Henhouse Reserve (Kalmbach Feed), but it only has 16.00% protein... Is that enough for laying hens? Also, is it a good food for the cost? I have 11 hens (6 are pullets), who stay in a large run and have access to a compost.

Their Chickhouse Reserve is 18%. The Reserve products (whole grains) are pretty pricey, which might be a factor with a flock of 11. 30# bag, so be aware when comparing prices. My three pullets adore it, and they’ve grown so much in the four weeks we’ve had them.

I do ferment to make sure that they get the vitamins and minerals that aren’t provided by the peas, grains, etc.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Their Chickhouse Reserve is 18%. The Reserve products (whole grains) are pretty pricey, which might be a factor with a flock of 11. 30# bag, so be aware when comparing prices. My three pullets adore it, and they’ve grown so much in the four weeks we’ve had them.

I do ferment to make sure that they get the vitamins and minerals that aren’t provided by the peas, grains, etc.

Good to know, maybe I wont go with that feed. What are your thoughts on homemade feed? Do you know of any good recipes?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Good to know, maybe I wont go with that feed. What are your thoughts on homemade feed? Do you know of any good recipes?

I tagged another poster on your other thread. There does seem to be a way of doing this (whole wheat for the grains); racing pigeon feed (for the legumes); and I read a post about an additive you can use for the trace requirements, especially when they don’t free range.

A bit of fiddling around mixing everything each time (or at least small batches), and it can be pricey for mini-flocks like mine.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

CP is a useful, but incomplete, analogue for what you are really interested in. Met, Lys, Thre, Tryp. The U.S. tends to use an excess of "cheap" protien to hit those targets. The best E.U. feeds can provide similar Met, Lys, Thre, Tryp numbers at lower total CP thru more effective suplimentation.

That's the general rule.

More specificaslly, yes, the Kalmbach line of feeds is pretty good, better than many, and at a not unreasonable price point. I don't use it myself, but many BYCers do with satisfactory to good result, and as indicated above, its nutritiotional numbers are better, typically, than many others at similar price point.

That said, many *but not all* Kalmbach feeds are whole grain. If you feed whoile grain, you SHOULD feed as either wet mash or fermented feed, to ensure the flock gets the fines.

 

[K0k0shka]

16% protein is too low, I wouldn't feed that. I like my 20% feed, and know that everybody is getting enough protein at all life stages and seasonal periods (like molt, when they need more protein). So instead of switching to higher protein feeds when I have growing youngsters or molting layers, I just feed the 20% year round and they've been doing great.

 

[SueBoz]

My 2 1/2 year old hens are struggling to lay and a few of their shells are papery. I offer oyster shells and cook and crush their eggshells - which they eat more than oyster shells. I've been feeding them Natures best organic pellets with 16% protein. they do not free range but do get fresh grass and organic vegetables from my garden in the summer plus meal worms and black sunflower seeds a few times a week. I think i need to switch. What is a good clean brand that has 20% protein? i live in MA.

 

[Debbie292d]

My 2 1/2 year old hens are struggling to lay and a few of their shells are papery. I offer oyster shells and cook and crush their eggshells - which they eat more than oyster shells. I've been feeding them Natures best organic pellets with 16% protein. they do not free range but do get fresh grass and organic vegetables from my garden in the summer plus meal worms and black sunflower seeds a few times a week. I think i need to switch. What is a good clean brand that has 20% protein? i live in MA.

We use Kalmbach's Flock Maker crumbles for our show-quality silkies. That's 20% protein and is an all-flock so it's good for the baby chicks as well. The hens get a dish of oyster shell, as it's lower in calcium than they require.

It's been at least a year now since we switched to that, and since we incubate all summer long so have tons of chicks plus chickens to feed, not to mention ducks, this feed is for them all, and they all are looking great and healthy!