Lets talk about layer feed...

[Melky]

That is very interesting ...have read many stories of laying issues with soy free products.

Mine just started haven’t heard that. On no soy no corn layer mash doing fine.

 

[RoosterML]

@Cindy in PA
Why not just supplement with a product like Farmers Helper Ultrakibble? It is a high protien supplement from fishmeal I believe protien content was around 27%.
Also readily available off the shelf.

 

[Kiki]

You might update your list Kiki then post and see if anyone else has more for you. I’ll bet there is more from the US or other regions as well. This would help you update.

I have a few brands from overseas already. I need them all.

 

[Kiki]

@Texas Kiki just messin with ya. Heck of a nice thing and alot of time you put in getting that feed chart put together.
Thank you

 

[Kiki]

Sounds to me like more producers were missed.
I think the days when back in school one would receive an incomplete !!!
Just sayin.

I challenge you to find five brand names, that include the manufacturers website with the info listed on it, that I missed.


Ready, set, go!

 

[Mosey2003]

You also have to keep in mind that excess protein can be an issue as well. Once an average hen gets above 4.75-5lbs, they become a lot more likely to develop fatty liver, or have heart and leg problems. Fatty liver is very common.

This interests me. I've had fatty livers in my older hens that I've butchered, but not in my young birds. I'm wondering if there's some magic balancing act that I could perform once they're over a certain age/size to reduce the fatty liver tendency. Problem being, as is being discussed, the labeling on feed doesn't really give a complete picture. For instance, I'm feeding a store brand meatbird crumble that's 21-22% crude protein, with sources being soy and animal meal. That's about the best (to my goals) as I can find around here. What I wonder is if I cut that down closer to 17% by adding, say, whole oats, am I going to be shortchanging their amino acids to a noticeable degree? Guess I'll have to just try it. I've been trying to add a small amount of oats for awhile and they really aren't that fond of them.

 

[Melky]

This interests me. I've had fatty livers in my older hens that I've butchered, but not in my young birds. I'm wondering if there's some magic balancing act that I could perform once they're over a certain age/size to reduce the fatty liver tendency. Problem being, as is being discussed, the labeling on feed doesn't really give a complete picture. For instance, I'm feeding a store brand meatbird crumble that's 21-22% crude protein, with sources being soy and animal meal. That's about the best (to my goals) as I can find around here. What I wonder is if I cut that down closer to 17% by adding, say, whole oats, am I going to be shortchanging their amino acids to a noticeable degree? Guess I'll have to just try it. I've been trying to add a small amount of oats for awhile and they really aren't that fond of them.

Why are you feeding a meat bird crumble all year to laying hens? This should never be done. Fatty liver disease is caused by feeding to high a protein when not needed and too much junk food in treats. What ages and sexes are your chickens? If you have all layers above 18 weeks or older, you should be on a 16% layer feed all year with poultry grit and oyster shell. Limiting treats. Sometimes people use Higher protein during molt season but that’s only if need for preventing feather loss and then switch back when molt over. Many leave on current feed 16% and provide a high protein treat during molt.

 

[Mosey2003]

Why are you feeding a meat bird crumble all year to laying hens? This should never be done. Fatty liver disease is caused by feeding to high a protein when not needed and too much junk food in treats. What ages and sexes are your chickens? If you have all layers above 18 weeks or older, you should be on a 16% layer feed all year with poultry grit and oyster shell. Limiting treats. Sometimes people use Higher protein during molt season but that’s only if need for preventing feather loss and then switch back when molt over. Many leave on current feed 16% and provide a high protein treat during molt.

Most people with show type birds feed higher protein year long to all ages. I don't feed layer, period. I have a variety of ages and roosters mixed in, don't want the extra calcium. The layers get oyster shell and grit free choice and they don't get junk food, only some meaty bone scraps and a small amount of vegetable waste. I do want to find a way to cut the protein some for the laying pen, but I like my growouts to at least start on the higher protein.

 

[RoosterML]

I challenge you to find five brand names, that include the manufacturers website with the info listed on it, that I missed.


Ready, set, go!

No no no, nice try!!! Your not getting me to do your dirty work. Back in the day you may have pulled one like that over on me BUT I would like to think the grey hair has brought great wisdom. Sounds good anyways.

 

[Kiki]

No no no, nice try!!! Your not getting me to do your dirty work. Back in the day you may have pulled one like that over on me BUT I would like to think the grey hair has brought great wisdom. Sounds good anyways.

Chicken!