Mixed flock, what to feed?

[Ol Grey Mare]

My biggest complaint about the local feed is that I can't even get a protein supplement from the feed store; they look at me as if I am from Mars or something, and when they have calcium supplement, I need to buy a year's worth at a time, as chances are that they won't have it for many many months afterward. Had to research on how to boost their protein after my first hens (years ago) took a beating after their first molt and never seemed to get their feathers back... insufficient protein, negligible lysine, and if methionine was in the feed at all, it was also of an insufficient amount. Peas and Rice fixed THAT problem. Typical Panamanians do not keep their flock year to year, they process them for meat before they're a year old... the hens having given eggs for only a few months, before the meat gets tough; The roosters typically go to the dinner table at first crow. The feed company, keeping that in mind, doesn't even offer a feed suitable for birds with a life expectancy over a year. It's been a challenge to learn how to overcome their unwillingness to provide feed that will keep my girls healthy for the long run. I'm so thankful to everyone at backyardchickens for their advice. I'm sure to be leaning heavily on the group as I learn more about my quail and kikirikis.

With that description, it would seem that you would have the higher protein starter feeds more readily available than the lower protein layer feeds.....is that not the case?

 

[Ebony Rose]

Sadly, all of the chick feed that is available here is medicated. It's my understanding that that cannot be fed to quail.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I have a mixed flock of standard sized and bantam sized, and will hopefully be getting my hands on a rooster again this year. I feed either all flock or feather fixer (in the fall). I offer calcium on the side. I do this, even though right now I don't have a rooster, because I can't imagine that the bantam sized girls need the same amount of calcium as the standard sized. Calcium offered separately should give them enough for each individual need.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have a mixed flock of standard sized and bantam sized, and will hopefully be getting my hands on a rooster again this year. I feed either all flock or feather fixer (in the fall). I offer calcium on the side. I do this, even though right now I don't have a rooster, because I can't imagine that the bantam sized girls need the same amount of calcium as the standard sized. Calcium offered separately should give them enough for each individual need.

You are right that calcium on the side allows for individuals to choose.
However, the logic that a bantam hen needs less calcium is flawed. The calcium in layer feed is on a percentage basis. A bantam will eat less than a large fowl, so by extension, they will get less calcium.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

You are right that calcium on the side allows for individuals to choose.
However, the logic that a bantam hen needs less calcium is flawed. The calcium in layer feed is on a percentage basis. A bantam will eat less than a large fowl, so by extension, they will get less calcium.

I agree they'll eat less... and therefore intake less. I also feel that there's just too much in the layer feed. Its just as easy for me to do what I do. I don't have to change when I get another roo, and I don't have to change if I get chicks. Everybody's happy eating what I offer.

 

[Cryss]

I agree they'll eat less... and therefore intake less. I also feel that there's just too much in the layer feed. Its just as easy for me to do what I do. I don't have to change when I get another roo, and I don't have to change if I get chicks. Everybody's happy eating what I offer.

X2.

 

[sean_wonder]

The solution is to feed either chick starter, game bird or all flock feed to layers, pre-layers, retired layers, roosters, and chicks all the time.

You mean you can feed chick starter all the way into their adult life??

 

[azygous]

Yes. Chick starter and all flock feed is practically identical. Chick starter has slightly less protein but all the same minerals and vitamins in the same proportions.

It surprised me when I read the label listing ingredients and percentages. I was going to pick up a bag of chick starter for some new chicks, and after I read the labels, I saw there was no need, that I had a bag at home of almost the identical stuff.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You mean you can feed chick starter all the way into their adult life??

Yes, you just need to assure calcium is available since it isn't provided by the feed in levels sufficient to support healthy production/laying

 

[Cryss]

Yes and it makes so much more sense than feeding layer feed if you ever intend to have young pullets added to the flock. Birds too young to lay eggs yet should never be fed layer. It has calcium it which their bodies can't assimilate. Laying hens need calcium so we leave bowls or hanging containers filled with oyster shell available at feed stores. Young non-laying pullets won't eat them till their bodies start to crave them at the point when they are getting ready to lay.