Molting hens lost food appetite. Normal?

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you for taking time to reply. When you say you don't feed layer feed anymore, what kind of feed is there if it's not grower (for babies) or layer?

I feed either an All Flock ration, or a non medicated grower. An all flock ration is formulated to be fed to all poultry types over 8 weeks of age. It simplifies my life to feed everyone the same feed. When I'm raising chicks they get their grower until they are big enough to eat the all flock. Mine is a pellet to minimize waste.

I buy a local brand. I think Purina sells a Flock raiser it's called I believe. I put out a bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs.

All flocks also generally are higher in protein which fits backyard flocks better because most feed extras and treats which can dilute the overall daily protein requirements which are around 16% for a laying hen.

 

[Folly's place]

The 'mill date' is the day the feed was processed, and should be no older than four weeks or so. I plan to use the feed that I buy within two weeks, so it's never older than six weeks from production. Some vitamins deteriorate fast, so that's why the 'only fresh feed' really matters.
An 'all flock' feed should be good for any chicken, regardless of age or sex, or egg laying status, with oyster shell also offered. I use Purina Flock Raiser, which is always available here at my local feed stores, fresh. I check every bag!
The local feed store people claim that the feed is good for six months! Don't believe such claims, and only buy fresh. You may find some other feed that is fresh at your local stores, and is good quality, and is a better choice. That's fine, just be aware of what to look for.
Mary