Is this mites?

[Newbie__123]

If you can find a feed of at least 18% protein, that would likely help.
The standard 16% protein was standardized 70 years ago for very feed efficient Leghorns, today's Leghorns and especially dual-purpose layers need more than that, being more productive than our grandmothers' chickens.

If you can find a feed of at least 18% protein, that would likely help.
The standard 16% protein was standardized 70 years ago for very feed efficient Leghorns, today's Leghorns and especially dual-purpose layers need more than that, being more productive than our grandmothers' chickens.

Okay, ill call.arpund to a coupel other feed stores and see if i can get anything higher in protein.

 

[Mother-Hen-Michele]

In a pinch... Chick food is higher in protein and calcium you can add.

In winter when they are not laying but often molting, I make water+chick food pudding as a side food (I leave the pellets in there too)

 

[coach723]

Many starter/grower feeds will be in the 18 - 20% range. You will need to be sure to supply oyster shell in a separate feeder for calcium as those feeds will not have enough. I've been feeding that way for years with no issues. I use a flock raiser when I can find it at 18%, and get a starter/grower if I can't find flock raiser.

 

[Newbie__123]

In a pinch... Chick food is higher in protein and calcium you can add.

In winter when they are not laying but often molting, I make water+chick food pudding as a side food (I leave the pellets in there too)

Could i ferment their normal feed and maybe add in some layer supplements... yheir menant to have a higher petein/ calcium rate. Or would it be worth just sprinkling some.chick stsrted. Im expecting chicks in a couple weeks so.i have plenty bags handy. I stocked up since so many ppl are buying chicks my feed store guy told me they have been haveing trouble getting it in stock

 

[Newbie__123]

Many starter/grower feeds will be in the 18 - 20% range. You will need to be sure to supply oyster shell in a separate feeder for calcium as those feeds will not have enough. I've been feeding that way for years with no issues. I use a flock raiser when I can find it at 18%, and get a starter/grower if I can't find flock raiser.

Okay,i already offer a small 5 gallor lowes bucked diyed with a feeder port from rent a coop. I forgot to mention that earlier i just did it yesterday i use to offer them in a trough but felt i was thowing them out too often.

 

[coach723]

Any kind of feeder that they are willing and able to use is fine. As long as they have access to the oyster shell they will take what they need. I find that in my flock it varies, sometimes I don't have to refill for quite a while, and then there are times that it goes quickly. It just depends on their individual needs at any given time, spring being the most active usually. As long as it's available all the time, they will self regulate pretty well. I just use old jugs with an opening cut in them, and replace as needed, see below.

 

[Mother-Hen-Michele]

Could i ferment their normal feed and maybe add in some layer supplements... yheir menant to have a higher petein/ calcium rate. Or would it be worth just sprinkling some.chick stsrted. Im expecting chicks in a couple weeks so.i have plenty bags handy. I stocked up since so many ppl are buying chicks my feed store guy told me they have been haveing trouble getting it in stock

I wouldn't try. I don't think fermenting would raise protein levels that much, and fermenting is hit&miss for getting it right and convincing them to eat it.

We are coming off winter, so I would feed them the high protein and keep the rest for later. Give them a boost of protein and then make mash (small amount) from your lower protein food in a few weeks.

Supplements I would not add to the only food in the coop. They tend to be products you give to individual hens to overcome a specific health issue. You can create an issue by giving a supplement they don't need in a dose they can't process