Layer Pellets?

[nickkaylee]

We have 10 hens that are about 4 1/2 months old. One of our girls just started aging. She laid an egg 4 days in a row and then skipped 2 days. Yesterday she laid another one. Should we start giving all the girls layer pellets? And if so, what brand should we give? They are eating Purina Flock Raiser right now, along with our ducks and turkeys.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You can switch to a layer feed if you wish or you can continue with the Flock Raiser.
Regardless of what type of feed you decide on, do make oyster shell available free choice.

I use a flock raiser/all flock feed year round for my birds. I have mixed ages of both male and female. This makes it easier for me since I only have to buy one feed. Oyster shell is always available as well.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Put out a container of Oyster Shells now if you haven't done so.
If your pullets are the same breed, get a bag of layer feed and mix 50/50 with the Flock Raiser till FR is used up.
If you have different breeds wait till one of each breed is laying.

As far as Brands available at my local TSC, I like Nutrina NatureWise and Purina feeds.
As for Organic feed available at TSC. I like Nature's Best feed.
GC

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just so it's clear, layer feed does NOT make them lay. Only difference between layer and any other feed is calcium percentage (and often protein % is lower, but not always).

 

[HeathenHavenHomestead]

Put out a container of Oyster Shells now if you haven't done so.

Oyster shell is always available as well.

I put mine out in a container (they free range) - will they just naturally know to eat it?
Do I have to worry about my cockerels eating it?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I put mine out in a container (they free range) - will they just naturally know to eat it?
Do I have to worry about my cockerels eating it?

I usually put mine in a container in several places. I have birds roaming about as well. My girls will naturally eat it. I've seen some folks mention they never see their birds eat any, but I do see mine.
Cockerels or roosters may peck at or even consume a few pieces, but a piece here and there isn't going to hurt them.

 

[nuthatched]

I put mine out in a container (they free range) - will they just naturally know to eat it?
Do I have to worry about my cockerels eating it?

Once they taste it, they should naturally crave it if they need it. My fool rooster would always eat some when ever I filled the carton, but a piece here and there won't hurt him like constant calcium through the layer feed could. He might need some calcium here and there too.

 

[HeathenHavenHomestead]

Once they taste it, they should naturally crave it if they need it. My fool rooster would always eat some when ever I filled the carton, but a piece here and there won't hurt him like constant calcium through the layer feed could. He might need some calcium here and there too.

How interesting that they will crave it.
1 pullet started laying 3 days ago so today is the first day I’ve had it out.
I’m glad there is an alternative instead of switching to layer pellet.
I definitely think a few pieces wouldn’t be bad especially if needed. I just don’t want them thinking they have a new snack bowl

 

[HeathenHavenHomestead]

I usually put mine in a container in several places. I have birds roaming about as well. My girls will naturally eat it. I've seen some folks mention they never see their birds eat any, but I do see mine.
Cockerels or roosters may peck at or even consume a few pieces, but a piece here and there isn't going to hurt them.

My husband spread some around the feeding areas so that sounds like they should get to it.
Today was the first day it’s been out or well maybe 2nd now that I think about it but I haven’t watched over them when they are near.
I’m sure they checked it out - curious little dinosaurs.

 

[nuthatched]

How interesting that they will crave it.
1 pullet started laying 3 days ago so today is the first day I’ve had it out.
I’m glad there is an alternative instead of switching to layer pellet.
I definitely think a few pieces wouldn’t be bad especially if needed. I just don’t want them thinking they have a new snack bowl

Women who are expecting crave odd things that contain nutrition they need, without knowing. I used to have chart that explained what you lack based on what you crave, like chocolate means you need magnesium I think.