Layer feed

[Crazyfarmlady25]

We are currently using kent extra egg layer in crumble (also a 17% protein) but am wondering if could mix it and Kalmbach henhouse reserve or if mixing different brands is bad? They like their crumble and get scratch once a day but don't know if it's enough. They have grit and oyster shells also but most times they spill them or fill them with dirt or bedding that gets kicked out of the coop (big flake wood chips). We get the kent from my husband's work (local feed store) but can get the henhouse reserve at a thiesens store an hour away.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I mix feed all the time. Right now I am using crumble from a local mill and fermenting chickhouse reserve and mixing the fermented with the crumble because it’s kind if dusty. I see no reason why you can’t mix them.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When I have questions about feed I always ask @U_Stormcrow .

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I mix feed myself for cost reasons. I'd have to look at the labels to see if it is potentially worthwhile- which i can't do on cell phone from bed. Will try to remember to look tom

 

[StinkyAcres]

Mixing isn't necessarily bad. The only problem I can see with this mix is the chickens could pick out only their favorite tidbits and refuse to eat the rest which could result in nutrient deficiency. The pellets and crumbles are better in that the chickens don't have a choice. Henhouse Reserve is more like a high quality scratch. Regular scratch is like chicken potato chips or candy - they shouldn't have a lot of it, if any. If they'll be getting the Henhouse Reserve then I would cut out the scratch entirely.

 

[StinkyAcres]

They like their crumble and get scratch once a day but don't know if it's enough.

I'm curious why you're worried it might not be enough? Enough of what exactly?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Now that I have an actual keyboard, a cup of coffee, and the brain is starting to warm up...

Those feeds are so close to identical nutritionally that the only benefit you get from mixing them is a bit of exercise, and maybe a feeling of doing "extra" for your birds. There are tiny differences - but they are so small there no research I'm aware of which would allow me to opine on likely effect for most of them. They are small enough there likely is no measurable effect over reasonable time scales in a typical backyard flock, much less observable effect.

Kalmbach has slightly better disclosed vitamin content, higher fat and fiber. The Kent/Blue Seal has better Phosphorus, Met (barely), Selenium. All are w/i acceptable ranges, some are good to very good for a layer formulation.

The only clear difference? If you are in an area of the country with known Selenium deficiency, you should favor the Kent/Blue seal. Slightly higher fat content in the Kalmbach - if my birds free ranged (and they do) and I wasn't in a selenium deficient area (sadly, I am), I'd favor the Kalmbach.

If I had to choose between the two this AM, w/ one cup of coffee, not enough sleep, and knowing that I both free range and am in a selenium deficient area? Unless there was a significant price difference, I'd have to try one brand for a year or two, keep some records, then try the other for similar time span and compare. Though I'm favoring the Kent/Blue Seal.