They have grit. They have had grit since they were getting treats (other than their feed). I keep the grit in one bucket and the oyster shell in the other bucket.
The only thing I worry about is the other nutrients besides calcium and protein. I would like to compare labels. Perhaps I will do that for you.
My understanding is that chicks need more protein than adults, because they grow so fast. Once they reach maturity laying hens only need 15-17% protein. Kind of like rabbits, I fed my babies alfalfa, but the adults only get timothy hay and pellets with alfalfa in them, because too much protein is hard on their kidneys. I'm sure once @BY Bob looks at the nutrition labels he will be able to tell you more. I feed my flock Purina layer crumbles and extra oyster shells on the side! I figure they have it pretty well figured out. I don't provide extra grit as the soil here has plenty of grit in it and they free range all day long!
| Dumor 20% Chick Grower | Flock Party Egg Maker Crumbles | Purina Layena | |
| Protein (min) | 20.00% | 16.00% | 16.00% |
| Ash | N/A | N/A | 16.00% |
| Lysine | 1.00% | 0.80% | 0.70% |
| Methionine | 0.50% | 0.35% | 0.30% |
| Fat (min) | 3.00% | 3.00% | 2.50% |
| Fiber (max) | 6.00% | 7.00% | Not listed |
| Calcium (min) | 1.00% | 3.50% | 3.25% |
| Calcium (max) | 1.50% | 4.50% | 4.25% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 0.70% | 0.55% | 0.45% |
| Salt (min) | 0.25% | 0.25% | 0.30% |
| Salt (max) | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.80% |
| Sodium (min) | Not Listed | 0.01% | not listed |
| Sodium (max) | 0.50% | 0.50% | not listed |
| Manganese (min) | 100 ppm | 100 ppm | |
| Microorganisms (min) | |||
| Vitamin A | 3000 IU/lb | ||
| Vitamin E | 12 IU/lb |
When Molting Higher protein feeds will help them to grow feathers faster. Many people will switch them back to grower or get feather fixer feed to provide higher protein at that time.
This is great information Bob. I haven't seen the brand that you use in my area. I don't usually go to the town where TSC is at, but I will have to check it out!
I thought about that, but I was just sharing what I understood to be needed under normal circumstances!
Alflock is 18% protein, and 2% calcium. Of course I provide Oyster shells free-choice. I also liberally give them scratch, and bird seed grains. Yes... I do break the Federations' rule of 10% BIG TIME.
.. Chickens also get all kitchen scraps, and anything else eatable. NO sweets or spoiled junk. They free-range in backyard when I'm around. Their run is is also large with plenty of things to scratch thru. 
the Colonel
The same thing is done with the prepared food that's marketed to us!Well,,,,, let me throw in my opinion here. I'm not one in favor of feeding my chickens on a science diet. Chickens have been around since dinosaurs, and before humans, and there was no Purina back then.
I feed my chickens Alflock, since I have layers, and Geriatric non-layers.
All my chickens live long lives. I also do not eat my chickens. I do eat chickens from the store regularly. and LUV
So let me view and comment on the Dumor 20%. It is not carried by my feed store, and I have no reason to search it out. Am happy with the feed they carry.
I,,, would not hesitate feeding it for the rest of the chickens lives. Everyone, (feed producers) will have slight differences in trace amounts of ingredients. It is the formula that each company decides is their BEST.
Now comes the 20% protein question.
Game bird feed is minimum 20% and up to 28% or higher.
The 20% feeds are recommended for chickens. I don't think chickens are going to start dying of organ failure from such protein amounts. Higher than necessary protein amounts tend to produce runnier stools, and somewhat smellier than normal. This happens usually if there is a high spike in amount.
Some things about protein;
If chickens are getting this 20% feed, and free-range, and get treats, then their total dietary protein intake get watered down to below the 20%.
Chickens that lay eggs, need protein to produce eggs. So for example, you feed your chicken this higher protein feed, you may achieve 300 eggs per year from said chicken. Same chicken fed a lower protein feed like 16% (industry low percentage to get optimum $$$ out of your hens) will produce less eggs in a given year, given all other factors being same.
I don't have charts and numbers with amounts of eggs, but basic science. You cant get out more if you put in less.
Protein is the higher cost ingredient in feed. That is why everyone tries to get by with as little cost as possible to make a nicer looking bottom line.
Hope this puts your mind at ease, about your feed.
I was just trying to be comprehensive in case someone who didn't know came across the post. There was no implied lack of knowledge on your part. Sorry.I thought about that, but I was just sharing what I understood to be needed under normal circumstances!
