Layer feed??!! Mixed age flock.

[rosemarythyme]

Does chick starter have more protein than the all flock feed?

It depends. Always check the nutrition tags, don't go by name of feed.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Yep, it depends on the brand. The all flock I use is, I think, about 18% protein. The chick starter is also around 18%. So in my case, the chick starter has the same amount of protein. I have seen some 19% 20% and 21% starter though which would be higher. All flock I've seen mostly 18% or 20% protein, although i've seen as low as 16% and as high as 28% The reason I use starter for chicks under a month old is for the crumble size (my all flock is pellets)

 

[LtDanFan]

Yep, it depends on the brand. The all flock I use is, I think, about 18% protein. The chick starter is also around 18%. So in my case, the chick starter has the same amount of protein. I have seen some 19% 20% and 21% starter though which would be higher. All flock I've seen mostly 18% or 20% protein, although i've seen as low as 16% and as high as 28% The reason I use starter for chicks under a month old is for the crumble size (my all flock is pellets)

Do you provide your feed in a feeder or on the ground? I am torn a little between pellets and regular feed because my ladies do not seem to eat the pellets out of the feeder but they will scratch and peck at the ground all day long, however when it rains i am concerned about the pellets dissolving into the ground. I am trying to strike a good balance between letting them forage and be chickens and giving them stuff in the feeder that will round out their nutrition.

 

[Chickensarecool123]

Yep, it depends on the brand. The all flock I use is, I think, about 18% protein. The chick starter is also around 18%. So in my case, the chick starter has the same amount of protein. I have seen some 19% 20% and 21% starter though which would be higher. All flock I've seen mostly 18% or 20% protein, although i've seen as low as 16% and as high as 28% The reason I use starter for chicks under a month old is for the crumble size (my all flock is pellets)

Can I feed all flock feed with oyster shells on the side for their whole life even if i have a mixed flock (one pullet 7 weeks older then the other two?)

 

[kattabelly]

Can I feed all flock feed with oyster shells on the side for their whole life even if i have a mixed flock (one pullet 7 weeks older then the other two?)

Yes

 

[AinaWGSD]

Can I feed all flock feed with oyster shells on the side for their whole life even if i have a mixed flock (one pullet 7 weeks older then the other two?)

Absolutely. I can't remember the last time we bought layer feed (probably 15 years ago when we got our first chickens).

 

[Chickensarecool123]

Absolutely. I can't remember the last time we bought layer feed (probably 15 years ago when we got our first chickens).

Ah great thanks

 

[Bsmac]

Makes life a bit easier with all flock when you have a mixed age flock! I find the little extra protein beneficial as an added bonus!

 

[LtDanFan]

As a vet i am used to reading nutrition labels and i am learning that what is academia does not always translate to real life. I am mostly looking for practical solutions to my questions. I am curious as to what has worked (or not worked) for others in my position.. a busy professional that also happens to love chickens and ducks, and someone that lives on the border of the suburban and the country.
As such i am considering all flock feeds but wanting to make sure that all of my girls are provided for in order to provide maximal (although laxadisical) production.