My anorexic chickens...

[azygous]

Nutrena makes Flock Raiser. There are other brands of flock raiser or all purpose flock feed. The protein content is 20% Yes, I've substituted chick starter when the feed store is all out of flock raiser.

Long term consumption of calcium when their bodies have low or no demand for it can be harmful, and they need the protein more than they need the calcium. It's just one of those things chicken owners automatically do when they would be better off making informed decisions. Just because you have laying hens doesn't mean you automatically should feed them layer feed.

It's always a good thing to question why we do the things we do.

 

[JensChickies]

Nutrena makes Flock Raiser. There are other brands of flock raiser or all purpose flock feed. The protein content is 20% Yes, I've substituted chick starter when the feed store is all out of flock raiser.

Long term consumption of calcium when their bodies have low or no demand for it can be harmful, and they need the protein more than they need the calcium. It's just one of those things chicken owners automatically do when they would be better off making informed decisions. Just because you have laying hens doesn't mean you automatically should feed them layer feed.

It's always a good thing to question why we do the things we do.

Yes, thank you so much for the info. This is my first flock, so I still have a ton of questions. I always just thought that laying hens get layer food. That being said I have always felt that their egg production could be better, but never knew how to fix it. I switched their for to layer 17% protein and it improved a little! but not much. I have always kept oyster shell out for them even just in case. I still feel they need more protein. It takes a lot to pop out an egg, poor babies!

 

[aart]

Quote: 17% is still low and if it's a layer feed probably has 3-4% calcium, which is too high for birds not laying.
Molting birds need more protein to grow new feathers.
How old are your birds?

Look at the labels carefully for protein and calcium levels...all feed must have nutrition level labels but sometimes it's hard to find them, usually it's sewn into the seam on the bottom of the bag.

 

[Cherie1n2]

If you have the option.. I would throw them a handful of cat food just to see if they'll go for the super high protein option. I feed 20% laying pellets (I've found that the quality of the feed is better than crumble and less gets wasted) ..if its protein the chickens are holding out for then they should go for the cat food.

 

[JensChickies]

If you have the option.. I would throw them a handful of cat food just to see if they'll go for the super high protein option. I feed 20% laying pellets (I've found that the quality of the feed is better than crumble and less gets wasted) ..if its protein the chickens are holding out for then they should go for the cat food.

I have tried the pellets too....they are spoiled and will only eat crumble. I held out for 3 days before I returned the bag to the store! I liked the pellets due to less waste, but the little princesses wouldn't go for it. I will try the cat food method.

 

[JensChickies]

17% is still low and if it's a layer feed probably has 3-4% calcium, which is too high for birds not laying.
Molting birds need more protein to grow new feathers.
How old are your birds?

Look at the labels carefully for protein and calcium levels...all feed must have nutrition level labels but sometimes it's hard to find them, usually it's sewn into the seam on the bottom of the bag.

My birds are about 11 months old now. So around 20% is good protein and what about the calcium if they arnt on layer feed?

 

[aart]

Quote: I like to feed an 'all flock' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and all molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat and have calcium available at all times for the layers, oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

The higher protein crumble offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

 

[JensChickies]

Ok...so I found an organic flock raiser with 20% protein and the calcium was 0.8%. I believe she said it was purina, but I have tried googling it and can't find it. Is this a good brand??

 

[aart]

I use Purina Flock Raiser
http://purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/flock-raiser/
.....but it's not organic.

'Flock Raiser' is kind of a brand name.....look at nutrient labeling.
Starters and Growers and All Flock are some keywords that are usually higher protein.

 

[JensChickies]

I use Purina Flock Raiser
http://purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/flock-raiser/
.....but it's not organic.

'Flock Raiser' is kind of a brand name.....look at nutrient labeling.
Starters and Growers and All Flock are some keywords that are usually higher protein.

Ok so the lady at the feed store was wrong, not organic, but that's ok. It's purina flock raiser 20%. They actually had a 25lb bag for 12.99, so I figured I will give it a try. At this point I just want them to eat! Fingers crossed.