Local mill has odd layer formula

[mpgo4th]

Just found out today that the co-op in the next town over has their own feed mill. I stopped in to check out prices. They have two layer feeds called "La-mor 15, La-mor 20. " The 15 looks like any other grain based feed I've seen but check out the 20. It has 20% pro. and min 6.0% cal and max 8.0% cal. Why would these levels be in a laying feed? Thats starter protein % and double the cal. everyone else uses.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Lots of folks provide calcium supplement in addition to the layer feed. Oyster shells are common. That is indeed a high level of calcium and would likely make providing shells unnecessary. Higher protein is indicated for some breeds. They just do better on the higher protein. Many of the heritage, large fowl birds would be an example.

It's a choice. Your mill is providing an option. Many local mills make a similar option available.

 

[mpgo4th]

I thought you went down on the protein as they came to laying age. Mine are on 18% starter/grower now and I feel like that's too high for 11 week olds.

 

[mpgo4th]

http://www.cfcfarmhome.com/webdocs/DocView.aspx?wdID=39&locID=39
This is a link to the product.

 

[Percheron chick]

The 20% with a high Ca would be a good feed if you provide a lot of vegetables and fruits in their diet. I need to find something like that when the zucchini hits.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

It depends on your goals and feeding plan. I don't ever feed a layer but I do feed a 20% protein feed because I also grow a fodder blend that has only a 12% protein and I want to make sure that their overall protein intake stays at least 16% at the very lowest. I find this system helps me cut costs while still maintaining the nutrition I want. If you are feeding a lot of snacks or supplementing with grains or fodder it can work well. Like Fred said, I believe some breeds have slightly different nutritional needs also if you are getting into serious breeding of certain birds.

I also keep a mixed flock and often have young birds in with my layers so a 20% protein works for everyone better than a low protein IMO.

It's always nice to have options -- everyone's flock and reason for farming poultry is a little different.

 

[mpgo4th]

I'm sticking to a very simple feed plan. I feed my flock only store bought feeds for them at the correct growth stage. They get let out of the pen almost everyday in the afternoon when someone is home. They free range for a couple of hours in the yard and woods around the house and eat bugs and grass, but weeds seem to be their favorite. They are 11 weeks old now and I have never bought grit because they dig and eat whatever they want so I figure they are getting it on their own. I have enough grower to cover me until laying age so I'm doing research on the next feed to use. My girls have had nothing but Southern States start and grow since a day old and I am thinking about staying with that brand. The 50# bag of All Grain layer is about $15.50 at SS and it's local to me. This other store I stopped at today is a little farther but they grind their own feeds from local grains and seem to have a good local following. Their layer is $14 for 50#. I'm just trying to decide if I should change to it at laying time or stick with the brand my girls already use and eat well.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

It's really up to you. If don't even have to switch to a layer if you are happy with your current feed (assuming its unmedicated) You could just add a calcium source like oyster shell on the side and get the same effect. The con is that is it an extra step and pro is that the birds can regulate their own calcium. An 18% protein is fine for adult birds, especially if they are free ranging part of the day.

If you go with the layer it's really which you prefer. I have never know a picky-eater chicken. It's nice to support a local farming community if you have the opportunity. You can always compare tags and make sure that the ingredients and protein sources are about the same and then just see what works for you.

Good luck!