Layer Feed

[cdbutler70]

Hello Everyone:

Just wanted to ask everyone opinion on Layer Feed. I am currently using 16% protein Nutrena NatureWise crumbles for my laying hens. It is costing me roughly $16 bucks a 50 pound bag. I checked with the local feed store in my town and I can get Ware Milling 16% protein crumbles for $12 a bag and have about a 60 mile round trip saved as well.
Question is being asked do you feel like all 16% protein crumbles are the same? I have been told by local guys in my town that Ware Milling feeds are alot better plus it is made here in MS as well. I am guessing I will try a bag and see. I am currently getting about 7 eggs out of 11 hens so I can see if egg production drops or increase on the new feed.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

http://www.poultryhub.org/nutrition/feed-ingredients/
You would be wise to add healthy ingredients of your own to whatever brand of commercial feed you buy.

https://www.nation.co.ke/business/s...griculture/2301238-2832858-4gvraez/index.html

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I am currently using 16% protein Nutrena NatureWise crumbles for my laying hens. It is costing me roughly $16 bucks a 50 pound bag. I checked with the local feed store in my town and I can get Ware Milling 16% protein crumbles for $12 a bag and have about a 60 mile round trip saved as well.

Nature wise... not impressive to me (but okay)... try your local mill and if it's a complete ration... no need for adding extras. Read the ingredients and see which you like better. It sounds like a significant savings and local mills are a great choice if you have that option!

Honestly... the feed may not be relevant to any change in production you see... as day light increases so does egg production. Plus, production is limited by factors such as genetic ability and age in addition to nutrition, stress, etc.

Do they offer any other formulations? How old are your hens and what breeds? 16% protein is the minimum needed to keep a light bodied bird in laying condition, while dual purpose breeds such as Wyandotte, Orp, Rock, and the like will do best on at least 18% protein. But please pay attention to the amino acid content as that is where you can see some real difference in condition of your birds. Some amino acids required by chickens are derived ONLY from animal sources.. so they are added in synthetically to our mostly vegetarian formulas available.

Beware... sometimes folks THINK they are adding "healthy" things... that are not benefiting the bird.. for example... eggs are a great source of nutrients including protein... but should only be used as a pick me up or treat as they are 34% protein but 64% fat... same BASIC scenario for meal worm, BOSS, etc. Keeping snacks to a 10% max of the total daily intake will help keep nutrition balanced.

Wish I had a local mill, best wishes!

 

[Folly's place]

Also pay attention to the mill date on each bag of whatever you buy, and only buy fresh!
Most local mills will only sell mash, because the machine to make pellets, and then crumbles, is expensive.
Any food change will offend your birds, so mix the new feed into the old, so there's a gradual transition. The local feed mill here, now closed, made a feed that wasn't in any way an improvement, years ago. Your experience hopefully will be better!
I spend more for an all-flock feed, 20% protein Flock Raiser, and my birds do better with this feed, and separate oyster shell.
Mary