mixing store bought feeds

[mpgo4th]

My flock of 22 is up to a 50lbs bag of laying crumble. I'm trying to lighten up my feed bill fast. First thing I did was get new homes for all of my extra roosters. I'm down to down to 16 hens and 2 roosters. One being a silkie so he doesn't eat that much. Next I changed from 16% layer to 21% super breeder and I mix it 50/50 with course scratch containing cracked corn and whole wheat. I also at a coffee can full of oyster shell to the mix. They seem to be eating more food now! I have been feeding this for two weeks and need more feed now. Should I just go back to the 16% layer and leave it alone?

 

[cavemanrich]

Your mix is fine. You can just put oyster shell into a separate container. The chicks will consume it as they need it. I would give the feed and scratch in separate containers. Here is why. When the chicks are eating, they try to find their favorite cuts. In the process a lot of the lesser cuts, (layer feed) gets thrown overboard and wasted and trampled. Try this approach and see how it works out. Maybe waste will be curbed. WISHING YOU THE BEST.

 

[mpgo4th]

Your mix is fine.   You can just put oyster shell into a separate container.  The chicks will consume it as they need it.     I would  give the feed and scratch in separate containers.    Here is why.     When the chicks are eating, they  try to find their favorite cuts.   In the process a lot of the lesser cuts, (layer feed) gets thrown overboard and wasted  and trampled.      Try this approach and see how it works out.  Maybe waste will be curbed.   WISHING YOU THE BEST. 

 

wouldn't they just eat the scratch that way? They are throwing feed everywhere. I just wait to refill until they have cleaned up the spilled food. How would you feed it?

 

[matt44644]

half scratch and half 21% feed will give about 14.5% protein.

 

[cavemanrich]

Give them some feed, and when its all gone then give them some scratch. You know they will try to make a mess if they are able. Another idea is to look up a thread on this site that shows you how to make a waste free feeder from a five gallon bucket and a PVC elbow. Put into search " feeders " Very helpful especially when you have many chickens. If you have trouble finding, then PM me and I can post the link.

 

[justplainbatty]

My flock of 22 is up to a 50lbs bag of laying crumble. I'm trying to lighten up my feed bill fast. First thing I did was get new homes for all of my extra roosters. I'm down to down to 16 hens and 2 roosters. One being a silkie so he doesn't eat that much. Next I changed from 16% layer to 21% super breeder and I mix it 50/50 with course scratch containing cracked corn and whole wheat. I also at a coffee can full of oyster shell to the mix. They seem to be eating more food now! I have been feeding this for two weeks and need more feed now. Should I just go back to the 16% layer and leave it alone?

I feed 17 chickens (1 is a bantam) 16% layer, a little cracked corn for heat and BOSS for extra protein. A 50Lb bag of the crumbles lasts just over 3 weeks. The 50Lb corn lasts about 6-7 weeks. The 40Lb BOSS lasts a long long time. I also feed a few handfuls of scratch a few times a week just for fun so it lasts a long time too. Since it's so cold here I splurged on a flock block, I think it weighed at least 10 pounds! It just sets next to one of the feeders and they are slowly pecking away but even that one block is going to last well into spring.
Anyway, yes, cut way back on the scratch because it lowers the amount of protein they are getting. They will be more satisfied with 90% layer and 10% whatever else you want to give. Also, it sounds like way too much shell. Put that in something like a no tip dog dish and refill as needed. Same thing for the grit.

 

[Folly's place]

x2; scratch is meant to be used as treats, not mixed at that level with layer or even "super breeder" feed. Oyster shell should be separate. I have mixed layer feed with game bird breeder/layer feed with good results in winter and spring. Offering poorer quality feed, especially in winter when bugs and grubs are not available, is poor practice, IMO. Fewer birds will cost less, rather than more birds with inadequate feed. Mary

 

[matt44644]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-almost-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder

 

[mpgo4th]

I never use grit. My birds have a 60 by 30 outdoor fenced in run and are let out on 2.5 acres daily.

 

[mpgo4th]

Has anyone tried southern states all grain layer? Its about a dollar more than the traditions layer I'm using now. I wonder if its marketing or if the price means its better.