layer feed or calcium supplement?

[BobHartmannSWR]

So I have 24 hens that are beginning to lay, 4 are laying and the rest are on vacation. Its the shortest days of the year and according to my chicken friends they hens are vacationing from laying too. I live in south Florida and while our days are not a short as say Wisconsin, the sun is down by 5:30 and up around 7 so we are getting about 10 hours of light per day. When the first few began to lay I began switching to purina organic layer (75% starter/25% layer) from their Organic grower feed but then I realized that most are not laying. I am concerned about the possible kidney issues I have read about when chickens get too much calcium when they are not laying. Also, does the calcium affect the roosters(we have two)? I was considering putting out crushed oyster shell next to their grit so they can eat it if they want and wait on the layer mix. I am wondering how I can address this feed issue.

 

[ldrchickens]

I feed an all flock feed and have oyster shell out so the girls can eat what they need. I have roosters, young birds not yet laying, and older birds on vacation as well so instead of buying several different feed types i buy 24 percent chick feed and 20 percent all flock and mix 50/50 when i feed. higher protein especially good in winter i believe. This way all need are met and the hens can decide how much calcium they ingest.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I began switching to purina organic layer (75% starter/25% layer) from their Organic grower feed

Keep feeding that ratio. It's less than 2% Calcium at that ratio. Safe for all chickens.
Offer Oyster Shells separately and don't be surprised if the Non-Layers and Cocks try some the first couple of days.
I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed 18 to 20% Protein from 10 weeks on throughout Adulthood. I feed Medicated Start & Grow from day old through 10 weeks. GC

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Excess calcium CAN (doesn't mean will) effect kidneys causing issues such as gout and even failure. It is most likely to happen in birds that are genetically predisposed somehow or have also been fed too many low nutrient treats such as scratch.

Some roosters live to ripe old ages even though they never ate anything but layer.

That isn't my personal choice... and so I feed Purina flock raiser with 20% protein and oyster shell available on the side. I also have many stages of bird including molting, growing, brooding, roosters and layers.

The ONLY thing layer has is LESS protein and more calcium... basically. I NEVER switch to layer and you don't have to unless you like. Dual purpose birds such as Marans, Orpington, Rocks or Reds will do better with at least 18% protein.. as 16% in most layer is about the minimum needed to sustain a light bodied layer like Leghorn. That being said... energy (or calories) only come from three sources... Protein, fat, and carbs including fiber. I choose for more of my calories to come from protein as I consider it a better source of nutrients including amino acids... though the amino acids are added into all the feeds.

But there is a limited point of return... too much protein could also cause a different type of gout and ultimately failure... though I believe it would have to be very high. So, the birds can only process so much protein.. after that it's processed out as expensive and extra smelly waste.

Your current thought to just add OS on the side of your grower is what I would do. If the grower is pricier than layer... it's because OS is cheaper than protein. For me it ends up washing out in the end and most my birds aren't ingesting the extra 3% or so of calcium every day.

Should you decide you don't wanna switch to layer... just mix down the bag you have like you already are... the whole kidney thing is non laying birds fed an excess of 3% calcium LONG term.

Also, HEY... welcome to BYC!

 

[Aceoky]

Yes please include the oyster shell 24/7 they'll take what they NEED when they need it, the cockerels for the most part will ignore it (other than initial curiosity) as will the growing & non laying birds.

 

[BobHartmannSWR]

Folks - thank you for your "feed"back. It seems like we are going down the right path. Thanks again!

 

[sqatkins]

Enjoyed this thread as I am likewise mystified about appropriate feed for a mixed age flock. Mine vary in age by about 3 months, the eldest just approaching 6 months of age when oyster shells are said to be needed.

 

[Naser]

Enjoyed this thread as I am likewise mystified about appropriate feed for a mixed age flock. Mine vary in age by about 3 months, the eldest just approaching 6 months of age when oyster shells are said to be needed.

You should add it now, only the hens who need it will take it, other hens will not touch it.

 

[Folly's place]

I also feed Flock Raiser, 20% protein, with oyster shell separately offered.
It's fresh, by mill date, where I shop, and works great for all my birds from hatching to old age. If necessary I'd feed a medicated chick starter for their first ten weeks or so, but it hasn't been needed here.
Mary