mixing chicken feeds

[bigz1983]

I have heard that a higher protein content feed is better for your chickens than the usual 16-17% protein egg layer feed.
I have also been told that the extra calcium in egg layer feed is bad for roosters and young hens that haven't came to point of lay.

Family farm and home has the Armada brand line of chicken feed.
They have a 24% protein Armada meat bird grower crumble and a 16% protein Armada egg layer crumble.

If I mix these 2 feeds together would I end up with a 20% protein egg layer feed with a safer level of calcium for roosters/young hens?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Yes, that would make 20% protein but likely only about 2% calcium which won't be enough for egg production. You can provide oyster shell on the side for the layers who need more.

I use Purina Flock Raiser with 20% protein and 1% ish calcium with oyster shell on the side for layers for my whole flock chicks through molting and broody even roosters.

But I'm NO fear monger either... I try to feed as I think is best according to research and to meet my own personal hatching goals and also the need of my dual purpose flock. Light bodied layers will be fine on the lower protein. AND calcium *CAN*, doesn't mean will cause harm to SOME birds... genetics is a huge factor if they are predisposed somehow AND usually related to the rest of the diet being heavily treat laden as well. So while layer may not be ideal and is NOT my personal choice, I have a hard time going as far as to say bad for them..

Best wishes... You are the right path, paying attention and all!

 

[bigz1983]

This is what I give my chickens now.
It's Armada 18% protein "Hatch to hen non medicated "
I also have oyster shells free choice in a dish

 

[rosemarythyme]

That doesn't look like a hatch-to-hen formula (which is a grower, essentially). It says layer and calcium % is appropriate for a layer's feed.

 

[bigz1983]

Sorry wrong bag. I meant to post the other bag.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

View attachment 1493502 View attachment 1493502 This is what I give my chickens now.
It's Armada 18% protein "Hatch to hen non medicated "
I also have oyster shells free choice in a dish

It says 16% on the bag!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sorry wrong bag. I meant to post the other bag.

Well if you do have an 18% hatch-to-hen option I would opt to feed that to the whole flock, with oyster shell on side for any laying hens. Once the whole group is laying you can switch to layer if that's your preference, or keep them on the 18%.

 

[bigz1983]

ok here it is armada hatch to hen non medicated 18%

 

[blackdog043]

I would use the hatch to hen non medicated 18% and have oyster shell in a separate container. I feed a 20% start/grow with oyster shell in a container, they do fine.