Kalmbach Feeds All Natural 16% Protein Flock Maintainer Pellet Poultry Feed

[Ecarroll]

Is this a good feed for laying hens, non laying yet pullets, and a cockerel? I will provide oyster shell on the side. I am also thinking of adding a few ducks in the spring. https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feeds-all-natural-16-protein/dp/226631

 

[Debbie292d]

Is this a good feed for laying hens, non laying yet pullets, and a cockerel? I will provide oyster shell on the side. I am also thinking of adding a few ducks in the spring. https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feeds-all-natural-16-protein/dp/226631

We buy that but it's Flock Maker 20%. Everything gets that, the baby chicks to the oldest ones. And oyster shell on the side.

What you have there sounds fine too, I just opted for the higher protein for the baby chicks mostly, but they're all doing well on it. It helps molting hens too.

 

[StinkyAcres]

It's fine for adults birds. The protein is a little low, especially for young birds, and I would add a niacin supplement if feeding to ducklings.

 

[K0k0shka]

16% is just about the bare minimum. I wouldn't go that low. 18% is better, 20% is ideal. I only feed 20%, non-layer, with eggshell on the side and all chickens of all ages can eat it without running any deficits or scraping the minimum.

 

[Ecarroll]

It's fine for adults birds. The protein is a little low, especially for young birds, and I would add a niacin supplement if feeding to ducklings.

Yeah, I was wondering about the niacin. It says it has enough for waterfowl but that didn’t seem right o I figured I’d check in here. I won’t be feeding it to baby chicks, just 18 or so week old pullets. I’ll look for something with higher protein, but think about this as an option.

 

[Ecarroll]

Is this better?https://shop.purinamills.com/products/purina®-flock-raiser®-poultry-pelleted-feed

 

[Debbie292d]

Is this better?https://shop.purinamills.com/products/purina®-flock-raiser®-poultry-pelleted-feed

Yep!

Or if you like the Kalmbach's version, I should have linked that for you too so you can compare the two. This is the one we use except in crumbles (silkies).

You can always use what you linked too and just add a supplement to the feed to raise the protein, vitamins, minerals, etc., such as Rooster Booster pellets. We've used those for several years but are backing off now that they're all getting 20% so we don't overdo it. There are lots of ways to supplement protein for those lower-protein ones. Occasional treats of scrambled eggs or a few mealworms, etc., do it, too.

Granted, it's a lot less worry if we just have the feed they need.

 

[Ecarroll]

Yep!

Or if you like the Kalmbach's version, I should have linked that for you too so you can compare the two. This is the one we use except in crumbles (silkies).

You can always use what you linked too and just add a supplement to the feed to raise the protein, vitamins, minerals, etc., such as Rooster Booster pellets. We've used those for several years but are backing off now that they're all getting 20% so we don't overdo it. There are lots of ways to supplement protein for those lower-protein ones. Occasional treats of scrambled eggs or a few mealworms, etc., do it, too.

Granted, it's a lot less worry if we just have the feed they need.

Thank you ! I wouldn’t need to supplant with the second linked feed right? (Other than oyster shell obviously and nutritianal yeast if I get ducks.

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you ! I wouldn’t need to supplant with the second linked feed right? (Other than oyster shell obviously and nutritianal yeast if I get ducks.

I am certain you are right there!

 

[Ecarroll]

I think I am going to go with this one as you recommended it, it is slightly cheaper than the purina, it’s on chewy (where I get my cat food), and it’s pellets which since I have no bantams is better for less waste. https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feeds-all-natural-20-protein/dp/244694
Thanks for all your help!