Layer feed or all flocks for non-mixed flock?

[K0k0shka]

Here’s one:

https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feeds-all-natural-20-protein/dp/226628

This is not a layer feed though. They were asking about layer feeds. This is a feather fixer feed which has higher protein to rebuild feathers, it's not a layer feed with added extra calcium. I'd be curious to see an 18-20% layer feed, too, as they tend to be lower in protein. But an actual layer feed.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

This is not a layer feed though. They were asking about layer feeds. This is a feather fixer feed which has higher protein to rebuild feathers, it's not a layer feed with added extra calcium. I'd be curious to see an 18-20% layer feed, too, as they tend to be lower in protein. But an actual layer feed.

That’s what I thought too, and they don’t label it as layer feed, but:

 

[K0k0shka]

That’s what I thought too, and they don’t label it as layer feed, but:
View attachment 4168786

Oh interesting! That's a lot of calcium for a feed that's not labeled as layer... Potentially dangerous if fed to non-laying chickens long term. I guess one can't trust the labels and has to check everything...

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I think I'm lucky in that I have a fairly local supplier of what appears to be very good feed from Tucker Milling in AL. I started out with Alabama Co-op feeds because of ease of acquisition and the price being right, but after looking at the ingredients, I felt that their feed was geared more towards big farm production birds and not the backyard flock enthusiast.

When I first found out about Tucker Milling I was going to try a bag of their starter feed but the store did not have any unmedicated feed, but did have the non-GMO variety. A little more expensive, but ever since opening the first bag I have not swapped over to the cheaper version. I mean the stuff even smells delicious to me. My cats try to eat it if they get near it and my dog certainly tries to get hold of it.

At $15/50 lbs its a steal imo.

Looking ahead, they have several different layer feeds, from 16% protein to up to 22% (have not priced that yet)!

https://tuckermilling.com/flock/

I also really like Tucker Milling. I fed my growing birds the gamebird formula (because I had a growing turkey) and their feather quality was phenomenal. The 22% layer is also a great option. I’m a huge advocate for feeding close to 20% protein. I just think you can visually tell by their condition and feathers. If I were the OP, I would just get whatever brand is the cheapest for a 20% protein mix and supplement with oyster shell. If one brand contains animal protein, go with that one. I’m pretty sure Nutrena was vegetarian when I have fed it. The protein from animal sources are more bioavailable.

 

[RoyalChick]

This is not a layer feed though. They were asking about layer feeds. This is a feather fixer feed which has higher protein to rebuild feathers, it's not a layer feed with added extra calcium. I'd be curious to see an 18-20% layer feed, too, as they tend to be lower in protein. But an actual layer feed.

Not so. Kalmbach’s Full Plume Feathering feed is a layer feed. It has 3.5% calcium minimum.

Edit: sorry, didn’t see that this was already said.

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh interesting! That's a lot of calcium for a feed that's not labeled as layer... Potentially dangerous if fed to non-laying chickens long term. I guess one can't trust the labels and has to check everything...

It does clearly say it is a complete feed for laying chickens.

 

[K0k0shka]

It does clearly say it is a complete feed for laying chickens.

It says it, but not clearly. Layer feeds are usually labelled as such on the front of the package. This one says absolutely nothing about layer/calcium on the front. The extra calcium information is only buried among the "details" on the back. That's misleading.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

It says it, but not clearly. Layer feeds are usually labelled as such on the front of the package. This one says absolutely nothing about layer/calcium on the front. The extra calcium information is only buried among the "details" on the back. That's misleading.

Caveat emptor, I guess. A slight blemish on Kalmbach's image.

I was all set to get some as a dry feed on the side until I saw the calcium. I have two pullets, 6 weeks and 8 weeks, arriving in two weeks, so I'm going to postpone this until they are also laying. Gets frustrating when trying to simplify!

 

[Marti5]

Hi,
I’m having trouble with my girls (4 of them, 2.5 yrs) not eating much of the Chewy purchased Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve 17% protein “organic”.
I had switched from
Nutrna Nature Wise Harvest Blend 18% protein in the winter. Which I think they ate more of. So, in reading these comments it sounds like layer feed isn’t the way to go anyway. That flock feed is better. And high protein isn’t that necessary.
Is that right? I’m gonna look on Chewy to see if they carry it. Thx.

 

[RoyalChick]

Hi,
I’m having trouble with my girls (4 of them, 2.5 yrs) not eating much of the Chewy purchased Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve 17% protein “organic”.
I had switched from
Nutrna Nature Wise Harvest Blend 18% protein in the winter. Which I think they ate more of. So, in reading these comments it sounds like layer feed isn’t the way to go anyway. That flock feed is better. And high protein isn’t that necessary.
Is that right? I’m gonna look on Chewy to see if they carry it. Thx.

Your chickens will appreciate higher protein. I feed 20% protein and if I ever run out and give them 16% they are very unhappy about it.