Lets talk about layer feed...

[Frazzemrat1]

I'm fairly new to chickens, two years this spring. I did a lot of research on here regarding the best feed for the stages of my chicks growing up. I got lucky and had no roosters in the bunch, but still decided to keep them on grower feed, even after they started laying. Once I bought another set of chicks and a rooster this past summer, and they were integrated into the flock, I switched everybody to all flock. I've always offered OS on the side. Sometimes my rooster gives it a gander, but for the most part, he checks it out and calls the ladies like he found a treat.
I've heard arguments for and against, and while I've decided to feed my flock without calcium in their food, and instead offer it on the side... to me, it was a matter of; I'm no expert and if this many people have concerns, including informative articles etc... then I'm better safe than sorry.

 

[EggWalrus]

Yes using the 15% grower/finisher (.85-1.35 cal.) Correct the layer production plus had alittle lower ( 3.4-4.4 cal.) I looked at the Turkey/Gamebird finisher but it lacks the Marigold extract I really like. I may give that a go in the future also. I am averaging 2.49 calcium. I would think those are pretty safe levels.

You can also use 1/8 to 1/4 alfalfa. Not Timothy Alfalfa but regular alfalfa. It's good protein levels for birds so it doesn't dilute the levels, and it makes nice dark, orange yolks. Soak it, then mix it in with their feed. They will eat it even if they aren't crazy about it the first week. Just like kids and mustard, they may have to learn to like it.

 

[Shadow920]

Okay so I want to start by saying that my chickens are my pets and the eggs are just a nice bonus I did a lot of research in the few months that I have had them, but I learn something new everyday. I currently have 3 hens and 1 roo, I did some research on feeding roosters layer feed and I didn't come across anything that said it would be harmful for him. Well now the other day someone posted that her rooster died from gout from the excess calcium in the layer feed that her rooster was eating. What is everyone thoughts on this? I absolutely do not want to hurt my rooster by feeding him layer feed so I am going to switch to an All Flock feed and supply oyster shells for calcium for my girls. What is everyones favorite all flock feeds/oyster shell brands? I want the best!

the only time i lost a chicken to something it ate was when i fed them avocado shells. don't ever feed chickens avocado. it will kill them. anyway i don't feed layer feed unless i'm planning on breeding but when i do i mix it in with the regular feed mainly because i want to make sure all my girls are getting the layer feed and not someone that it won't effect. i learned that the hard way when i had three Cornish rock cockerels who ate all the layer feed while my girls were off pecking the scratch grains.

 

[aliciaFarmer]

I agree with @Coop Z-ville. That's what I feed all my (30) girls and (2) boys and no one has ever had an issue. They're super healthy and no one has ever gotten sick, had gout, died or anything else. I personally wouldn't feed my flock anything else (unless someone replicated what they already make and sold it for cheaper, hahaha).

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

We've had chickens for years, and we've had several roosters. All of them ate layer feed, and were just fine.

 

[shedinator]

If you read the link from purina they recommend AF and OS in a separate container.
I'm concerned that most AF feed is too high in protein for some of my birds. While it isn't ideal, I supplement them with more scratch grains to cut the protein and up their nutrients with some Nurti-Drench occasionally.

This is more or less what we do. OS and egg shells available on demand, AF as a base, and we cut it with scratch or cracked corn at whatever ratio we need for target protein levels based on age and stage of the flock. Only chicks, poults and broilers get anything other than flock raiser.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

This is more or less what we do. OS and egg shells available on demand, AF as a base, and we cut it with scratch or cracked corn at whatever ratio we need for target protein levels based on age and stage of the flock. Only chicks, poults and broilers get anything other than flock raiser.

When we had a feed co-op I could get a 16% organic grower at a decent price. It was coarsely ground like scratch and peck feed. I fermented it to get the fines bound up and it was the base feed for all birds. I could also get 60% protein fishmeal in 50# bags.
Mixing that 10:1 with the 16% grower for chicks yielded a 20% feed. That worked real well because, unlike diluting with scratch, I was boosting essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
I may try to restart the co-op next year.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

I really REALLY doubt it was the layer feed. Never heard of this being am issue nor have I ever had the issue. I say it was a fluke. Sounds like there was more of a "too many treats" issues

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I read a lot but not all this thread... Sorry if I missed any great points.

I TOO have heavily researched this AND all information points to... fear mongering!

Feeding birds who are NOT in lay calcium levels in excess of 3% LONG term *CAN* (doesn't mean will) cause gout and kidney issues including failure.

Thing is, I won't call it a fluke. No. BUT yes... there ARE many factors at play... first and foremost is genetics... a predisposition makes it "more" likely... Add to this environmental factors such as keepers who feed too many treats, or the pretty feeds as noted sometimes, or just a complete improper diet... wallah... recipe for disaster! Genetics is a factor that is often unknown... especially in hatchery birds...

But DOES it happen... you bet you sweet petootie it DOES... and BYC'ers have confirmed through necropsy and/or changing diet if caught soon enough. No one ever thinks things can happen to them... until it does.

For ME... I choose flock raiser with oyster shell on the side... not worth the risk IF you ever do end up with a REALLY good rooster. Plus the whole point for ME to keep a rooster is babies... easier to feed everyone the same thing... babies and boys sample the OS but don't over indulge. Babies need the extra protein and so do my dual purpose breeds.

And then... even though I pay a little more for more protein in my feed... calcium is much cheaper than protein.. so (maybe) more bang for my buck.

Last but NOT least.. like I said since I keep roosters for babies... higher protein levels (22%) was shown to give the best hatch rate... to me that says more nutrition going into the eggs and therefor my family's tummies!

Nutrients (and energy/calories) can only come from three sources... protein, fat, and carbs including fiber... that means calcium is (kind of) a cheap filler...

My over all take... do what works for you and make sure to store your feed correctly and that it has a recent mill date.

In lied.. one more last....

16% protein as in MOST layer feeds is considered the minimum amount to keep a light bodied bird like leghorn in lay in acceptable condition... I NEVER go for the minimum... except maybe paying taxes type stuff, but not nutritionally... you get what give.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

https://www.purinamills.com/chicken...djust-nutrients-in-chicken-feed-as-birds-grow
When my last computer fried, I lost my more pertinent links showing the kidney damage from excess calcium intake in roosters and pullets/hens not actively laying but here are some others.
https://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/2337/urolithiasis-in-male-broiler-breeders/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3585534
http://www.livestocklibrary.com.au/handle/1234/19522
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03079458008418381

Thanks for providing links!

So much better than hear say. Glad I went back to read through the thread.