Layer feed or regular?

[smott]

I use the Purina crumbles for my chickens. For a flock of mixed ages (some are laying and some are only 8-12 weeks old), is it safer to feed them all the layer crumbles or feed them all the Flockraiser and offer oyster shell calcium on the side?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I use the Purina crumbles for my chickens. For a flock of mixed ages (some are laying and some are only 8-12 weeks old), is it safer to feed them all the layer crumbles or feed them all the Flockraiser and offer oyster shell calcium on the side?

You can do flock raiser and oyster shells, or you can do grower feed and oyster shells. Whatever is available.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Flockraiser and offer oyster shell calcium on the side?

This is the best (safer) choice for a mixed age or gender flock, IMO.

Feeding layer too early *could* stunt growth, and delay development including onset of laying in the younger birds. Excess calcium could also cause kidney issue including gout and ultimately failure if fed to birds NOT in lay long term, though there is likely an unknown genetic component to that.

Since learning the difference and switching to only flock raiser never using layer anymore (OS is on the side free choice) and now my older birds go through molt much faster and easier and I don't worry about switching or feeding chicks or molters, or broody's differently than layers.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I have all flock pellets mixed with layer Pellets for mixed age groups, & never had a problem with the younger guys. My younger guys usually avoid the layer pellets anyway.

I mix 120lbs of all flock with 20 pounds of layer pellets.

 

[smott]

This is the best (safer) choice for a mixed age or gender flock, IMO.

Thanks, this answers the question of my roosters as well. I have been allowing them to free range all day, and keeping them stocked with flockraiser feed outside the coop, but it seems when I let all the hens out, they want to gobble up the flockraiser anyway like it tastes better lol. Will make it much easier if I can just feed them all the same . I'm assuming if oyster shell calcium is available, the hens will eat it if they need it?

 

[smott]

[QUOTE="MysteryChicken, post: 23287467, member: 515928"

I mix 120lbs of all flock with 20 pounds of layer pellets.
[/QUOTE]
I think I will make it easier on myself and mix what I have left as well, since I have a brand new bag of the layer feed I just bought

 

[MysteryChicken]

[QUOTE="MysteryChicken, post: 23287467, member: 515928"

I mix 120lbs of all flock with 20 pounds of layer pellets.

I think I will make it easier on myself and mix what I have left as well, since I have a brand new bag of the layer feed I just bought
[/QUOTE]
Okay, sounds good.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'm assuming if oyster shell calcium is available, the hens will eat it if they need it?

Yes. I keep it in a convenient place so they don;t have to search for it. By the coop door, next to the feed, near the lay box, close to the water.

The other birds may sample but they won't be consuming it full time without being able to avoid it.

The only time I ever contend with soft shelled eggs.. is when new layers are coming on line and their shell gland is working out it's kinks still and NOT because of calcium on the side.

I think I will make it easier on myself and mix what I have left as well, since I have a brand new bag of the layer feed I just bought

Maybe like 50/50.. whatever works for you.. preferably less than 3% total calcium. But short term for this one bag should really be no big deal.

The hens probably like the flock raiser more because it's higher in protein and amino acids.. but it may also just be that despite being creatures of habit that don't appreciate change much they do value a little variety for enrichment purposes. Sometimes I buy another feed.. like game bird pellets.. and throw out as a "treat". Still nutritious fun.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Flock Raiser/All Flock and Free Choice Oyster Shell. See my Sig for why, like you, I have birds of many ages, a handful of males (slowly being selectively culled), and ducks, besides.

The "one size fits all" solution is the only practical answer to mixed flocks.

 

[RoosterML]

I have everything from 1 weeks olds to two year old birds running around. My feed mixture is as follows. 1/3 layer ,1/3 Grower, 1/3 Starter/meatbird all mixed together.
I also have oyster shells free choice.