Layer feed or all flocks for non-mixed flock?

[lntnam]

Hi all,

I have 6 hens at 15 weeks and they're graduating out of grower feed soon. I read that many ppl prefer to feed them all flock feed which has more protein than layer feed, and provide oyster shell for calcium.

But I intend to provide them oyster shell (available at all time), mealworms, and scratch everyday regardless of feed, so the question is would all flock feed still provide any advantages over 16%-17% layer feed?

Another question: I'm split between Nutrena Naturewise and Kalmbach now. Each of them have their own supporters so I'm trying to ask differently: is there any reason why I SHOULD NOT buy from either one of those 2 brands?

Nutrena Naturewise is available at my TSC which is only 10 minutes away. Kalmbach is on Chewy and cost shipping fee.

I know local feed mill is better but that option is not available for me, so please don't mention it.

 

[nuthatched]

Actually, most local mills aren't better, most haven't updated their feed formulas since the cold war.
I like nutrena feeds.
Mealworms and scratch should not be given every day, they're treats (junkfood) and will make a subpar diet woWar.
About a pinch per bird, once or twice a week.

 

[lntnam]

Actually, most local mills aren't better, most haven't updated their feed formulas since the cold war.
I like nutrena feeds.
Mealworms and scratch should not be given every day, they're treats (junkfood) and will make a subpar diet woWar.
About a pinch per bird, once or twice a week.

do they still need oyster shell if I give them layer feed and egg shells occasionally?

 

[nuthatched]

do they still need oyster shell if I give them layer feed and egg shells occasionally?

Likely yes.
Too clarify, giving them excessive treats no matter if you feed them all flock or layer is a bad idea.
You could do 50-50 layer and all flock.

 

[Altairsky]

All flock is generally better than layer feed. Layer feed is designed for production breed that live no longer than 2 years.
Don't feed them scratch. Look for race pigeon seed mix. They're proteic seeds. Best treat for chickens.

 

[lntnam]

All flock is generally better than layer feed. Layer feed is designed for production breed that live no longer than 2 years.
Don't feed them scratch. Look for race pigeon seed mix. They're proteic seeds. Best treat for chickens.

Nutrena NatureWise hearty hens looks really good to me though.

 

[Altairsky]

Nutrena NatureWise hearty hens looks really good to me though.

Marketing is supposed to make everything look good.
They claim it contains omega 3, then the ingredients list "ground flaxseed". There is no omega 3 in ground flaxseed. Flaxseed need to be whole, and if ground it has to be stored in the fridge because omega 3 oxidize extremely fast.
Canola oil, same as flaxseed. No omega 3 in room temperature canola oil.
Then I can't see a decent replacement for soy. Soy is an important source of nutrients and should never be demonized. All the added ferments? No guarantee they're still alive. And are there animal protein in there? I haven't seen fishmeal in the ingredient list.
Don't let marketing fool you.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have used both Nutrena and Kalmbach Chick House reserve starter. The Nutrena smells very good lol and both are expensive. I never used the Nutrena Layer, always the all-flock. One advantage of using a higher protein feed and letting chickens regulate their own calcium intake is faster molt recovery. When I fed layer I would have a couple hens lagging in growing feathers back and I would end up buying some Feather Fixer and putting them on that for awhile. Even if you keep your current hens for a long time, eventually their laying will slow down and the excess calcium in layer feed might be detrimental to their health. Not drastically but it can take a toll as they age. What breeds do you have?

 

[Cindy in PA]

There are several layer feeds that are 18-20% protein, so all flock isn't necessarily more protein. I always had to give calcium even when feeding layer. I have fed scratch daily in limited amounts for 32 years & haven't had a problem. Do what works for you! YMMV

 

[blondie55555]

Just wanted to share my experience with both feeds in question. While I do realize there could be many variables involved (calcium, weather, time of year etc) with my issues, my results in those issues have been drastically reduced.

Upon the recommendations of BYC, I just switched to Kalmbach Flock Maker from using Hearty Hen for the last year and a half. I keep oyster/egg shells available at all times. Loved Hearty Hen until the last couple of months. New problem of small, thin shell, rubber eggs (chickens eating eggs), and the bags had way too much dust left in them. Feeders would be dust by mid day. I realize the egg problems should be a calcium problem, but I always keep oyster/egg shells available for them. Not sure if any/all new problems were a result of a Nutrena’s feed change (difficult to get replies from them) or Tractor Supply issues. I wanted to get away from both. Throughout the year and a half, I had to return 2 bags ( same dates) due to mold/smell to Tractor Supply. After researching BYC, I went with this brand and love it. I purchased first 2 bags through Chewy on autoship May 21 with date 25077 ( March 17) and received my second 2 bags yesterday 25109 (April 18). I got free shipping both times, and it arrived within 2 days.

Took a couple days for chickens to love it, but no issues. It has corrected any diarrhea issues I had with Hearty Hen and it does not have the dust issue. My egg conditions have also improved, though I can’t be positive it’s from the feed.