Mixed breeds flock and when to start layer feed?

[AngieB71]

Hello everyone!

My apologies if this as been asked before--I did a quick search and didn't see it so I thought I'd post...

We are new to chickens, and have a small flock that consists of 2 BCM, 2 Barnvelders, and 2 Wyandottes. I have read that BCM generally start laying at 5 months, but the other two breeds not until closer to 8-10 months. Do we start them all on layer feed around 5 months? Or would it be better to wait until the majority of them get closer to laying? They are currently on grower feed.

Thank you for any and all advice!

 

[K0k0shka]

You don't have to use layer feed, like, ever. It's basically the same thing as other feeds, plus extra calcium, which you can provide separately - crushed eggshells or oyster shells. A lot of layer feeds are actually not overall optimal for the birds, because they skimp on the protein to get the biggest bang for their buck in the short term (they were originally developed for commercial hens, which are killed after their year or two so long term health doesn't matter). For better long term health, you need more protein than the 16-17% that most layer feeds have. Starter and grower feeds are much better than layer, and there's another type of feed as well - "all flock", or "flock raiser" (specific terms depend on the brand, but it's the same idea) - they were meant to meet the needs of the whole flock: growing chicks, laying hens, non-laying hens, roosters, etc. They have a good amount of protein, on the order of 18-20%, and everything else the flock needs. You just need to provide calcium in a separate container, and the chickens who need it, will know to eat from it. This gets around the problem of having a mixed flock of layers and non-layers, and who eats what. Everybody can eat flock raiser. Chickens' calcium needs vary throughout the year (active vs. inactive season), and their lives, so the flat ratio of extra calcium in layer feeds is not practical or good for them in the long run. I personally have never used layer feed, and never will. I use Purina Flock Raiser, which is 20% protein, I've raised several generations of chickens on it and they all do great.

 

[wrathsfarm]

You don't have to use layer feed, like, ever. It's basically the same thing as other feeds, plus extra calcium, which you can provide separately - crushed eggshells or oyster shells. A lot of layer feeds are actually not overall optimal for the birds, because they skimp on the protein to get the biggest bang for their buck in the short term (they were originally developed for commercial hens, which are killed after their year or two so long term health doesn't matter). For better long term health, you need more protein than the 16-17% that most layer feeds have. Starter and grower feeds are much better than layer, and there's another type of feed as well - "all flock", or "flock raiser" (specific terms depend on the brand, but it's the same idea) - they were meant to meet the needs of the whole flock: growing chicks, laying hens, non-laying hens, roosters, etc. They have a good amount of protein, on the order of 18-20%, and everything else the flock needs. You just need to provide calcium in a separate container, and the chickens who need it, will know to eat from it. This gets around the problem of having a mixed flock of layers and non-layers, and who eats what. Everybody can eat flock raiser. Chickens' calcium needs vary throughout the year (active vs. inactive season), and their lives, so the flat ratio of extra calcium in layer feeds is not practical or good for them in the long run. I personally have never used layer feed, and never will. I use Purina Flock Raiser, which is 20% protein, I've raised several generations of chickens on it and they all do great.

I agree with all that

Great post

 

[AngieB71]

You don't have to use layer feed, like, ever. It's basically the same thing as other feeds, plus extra calcium, which you can provide separately - crushed eggshells or oyster shells. A lot of layer feeds are actually not overall optimal for the birds, because they skimp on the protein to get the biggest bang for their buck in the short term (they were originally developed for commercial hens, which are killed after their year or two so long term health doesn't matter). For better long term health, you need more protein than the 16-17% that most layer feeds have. Starter and grower feeds are much better than layer, and there's another type of feed as well - "all flock", or "flock raiser" (specific terms depend on the brand, but it's the same idea) - they were meant to meet the needs of the whole flock: growing chicks, laying hens, non-laying hens, roosters, etc. They have a good amount of protein, on the order of 18-20%, and everything else the flock needs. You just need to provide calcium in a separate container, and the chickens who need it, will know to eat from it. This gets around the problem of having a mixed flock of layers and non-layers, and who eats what. Everybody can eat flock raiser. Chickens' calcium needs vary throughout the year (active vs. inactive season), and their lives, so the flat ratio of extra calcium in layer feeds is not practical or good for them in the long run. I personally have never used layer feed, and never will. I use Purina Flock Raiser, which is 20% protein, I've raised several generations of chickens on it and they all do great.

Thank you for this info! We get our feed from a local small farm, but I think it is still around 17%. So I will look around to see if I can find the Flock Raiser at any local farm supplies.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I agree with the above post. I feed 20% flock raiser with free choice oyster shells on the side. I have had no reproductive issues in my flock and all of the eggs have nice shells on them.