Mixing scratch and layer feed ?

[GC-Raptor]

My comparison (i.e. the reason you shouldn't mix them) is about nutrition, not moisture content, texture, solidity, taste or any other characteristic.

Regarding mixing in oyster shell, its redundant and unnecessary. Layer feed is already meant to meet the calcium needs of a laying female. Offering it on the side is not a bad idea "just in case", but more is not better and if they are not picking around it you could potentially be upping the calcium in their diet to levels that strain their kidneys and do more harm than good. 

Interesting I came across this thread today. I was shopping for oyster shell yesterday. I checked TSC yesterday. Dumor 5# bag says feed free choice or mix 1# to 20# of layers feed. Mana Pro 50# bag says the same. I also went to Mackeys and they had Purina 5# bag which I bought and I'm looking at, it says, provide free choice next to feed during the laying season or mix 1# to 20# of feed. Not layers feed like the other 2 brands. GC

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Interesting I came across this thread today. I was shopping for oyster shell yesterday. I checked TSC yesterday. Dumor 5# bag says feed free choice or mix 1# to 20# of layers feed. Mana Pro 50# bag says the same. I also went to Mackeys and they had Purina 5# bag which I bought and I'm looking at, it says, provide free choice next to feed during the laying season or mix 1# to 20# of feed. Not layers feed like the other 2 brands. GC

I know. I checked my bag of Manna Pro before typing that and it says the same thing. But I also went on line and checked the layer feed instructions (since I don't have any to check myself - I don't use it) and of course they don't say anything about mixing in oyster shell, just that they are full nutrition, or something along those lines. Which of course, makes me wonder if the mixing in thing is a valid recommendation or something they started adding because people were mixing it anyway but too heavily and causing problems or if its some sort of marketing ploy to get people to buy more products.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I know. I checked my bag of Manna Pro before typing that and it says the same thing. But I also went on line and checked the layer feed instructions (since I don't have any to check myself - I don't use it) and of course they don't say anything about mixing in oyster shell, just that they are full nutrition, or something along those lines. Which of course, makes me wonder if the mixing in thing is a valid recommendation or something they started adding because people were mixing it anyway but too heavily and causing problems or if its some sort of marketing ploy to get people to buy more products. 

Well I believe in mixing oyster shell in an all flock or flock raiser or asta

 

[GC-Raptor]

Well I believe in mixing oyster shell in an all flock or flock raiser or asta

I hit the button before i was done so I will continue where i was. Or a start and grow for hens over 16 weeks. If you don't have cockerels. GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

I use a layers feed so I would not mix in oyster shell, But offer on the side, if I need to. My eggs shells are strong at this time. I bought this 5# bag at a good price, just in case.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I use a layers feed so I would not mix in oyster shell, But offer on the side, if I need to. My eggs shells are strong at this time. I bought this 5# bag at a good price, just in case.

I think that is the way to do it if you don't have a mixed flock. I have young turkeys, guineas, chicks, cockerels, a rooster, a hen and my pullets all together so I feed flock raiser with oyster shell on the side.

 

[yochickiemomma]

maybe a little off topic but i'm going to be integrating two pullets and a rooster with my laying flock this weekend. Theyre about 6 months old and not laying yet. Is it ok to feed them all layer feed or do I need to switch and feed them all flock raiser?

 

[GC-Raptor]

maybe a little off topic but i'm going to be integrating two pullets and a rooster with my laying flock this weekend. Theyre about 6 months old and not laying yet. Is it ok to feed them all layer feed or do I need to switch and feed them all flock raiser?

Many people feed layers to a flock with roosters with no problems. And the big feed companies say it's safe over 18 weeks. I don't have any cockerels or rooster. But if I did they would get layers pellets. I don't have a mixed flock either as in ducks or geese. GC

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Many people feed layers to a flock with roosters with no problems. And the big feed companies say it's safe over 18 weeks. I don't have any cockerels or rooster. But if I did they would get layers pellets. I don't have a mixed flock either as in ducks or geese. GC

You're right. just as many dogs are raised on Alpo and kids are raised on McDonald's. It doesn't mean they'll necessarily keel over and die; it's just not optimal.

The savings of layer v flock raiser is only about $50 a year for me, so I'm okay with paying a couple dollars more a bag. I plan to stretch it a bit further by fermenting it. They really love it when it gets wet so I think they'll go crazy for it fermented.

 

[yochickiemomma]

Thank your for your quick responses.