Needing some new food

[Jeanette56]

I've been using Flockraiser for quite sometime and it seems to be a good feed. If you want to feed them a little better see if you can find a Game Bird Conditioner. The one I buy (from Tractor Supply) is mostly seeds/grains and all of my birds like it. I generally feed 1/2 Flockraiser & 1/2 Game Bird Conditioner and I give it to chicks/young & mature birds.

ok i think i will buy grower it is all easier to get at my feed store and it sounds much better thanks for your alls help

 

[1muttsfan]

I (and many like me who have a small laying flock) feed a layer ration to all the birds once they are mature. It is true that roosters would ideally get a lower calcium diet, but realistically in a flock situation most roosters do just fine on layer. I was not impressed with flock raiser, the eggs were thin-shelled even with free-choice oyster shell.

If you buy a complete feed you do not need to mix anything with it. You can provide a little supplemental treat food if you like. Mixing calcium in with the diet will make it even higher in calcium - even more of a problem for the roosters if that is your concern. Most people, including myself, keep oyster shell out free choice for any bird that wants it.

 

[Silkie Chicken]

so you are saying witch feed should i buy

 

[Chris09]

Ok, I am wanting to buy the chickens some new chicken feed but i am confused if i have roosters and hens can i still give the roosters layer feed as well as the hens. Which food is the best to buy.

Get yourself a bag of Starter/Grower or a bag of a good Game Bird Starter and offer Oyster Shell on the side.
I know a lot of breeders and backyard poultry raisers and most (90%) of them just feed either a Starter/Grower or a Game Bird Starter.

For those that think that high amounts of Calcium in a non-laying fowls diet will not heart them, you might want to do a search on Calcium Toxicity in poultry.


Chris

 

[aoxa]

Get yourself a bag of Starter/Grower or a bag of a good Game Bird Starter and offer Oyster Shell on the side. 
I know a lot of breeders and backyard poultry raisers and most (90%) of them just feed either a Starter/Grower or a Game Bird Starter.

For those that think that high amounts of Calcium in a non-laying fowls diet will not heart them, you might want to do a search on Calcium Toxicity in poultry.


Chris

I quoted you earlier in this thread Chris.

When I first started the feed store pretty much demanded that I get layer, even though my birds were not producing eggs. I lost two young birds and that could very well be the reason. 2/5 dead during the two months I started and fed what they told me to is not good odds. One died very suddenly. The other showed weakening the day before.

My layers do just fine on grower with oyster shell free choice. Game bird is very pricey - but I will use once breeding season starts.

 

[AVintageLife]

Thank goodness for this website and the knowledge of all the experienced chicken folk. I went to my local Agway to get some grit the other day and they were out. When I asked if they had any out back, the cashier said I should just buy layer feed. I told her they weren't laying yet, they were only 15 weeks old and still on starter/grower and free range. Then she said that they didn't need grit at all, it was an old wives tale and they would be fine without it. I know when they free range they'll pick up some grit but I still feel like I need to offer it in the coop as well and trust they'll know if they need/want it or not. I want my flock to eat as healthy and well as my family does. So it sounds like I have the option to keep them on starter/grower and add oyster shells on the side. I will also save the eggshells for the hens, bake them and crush them (til they don't look like eggshells anymore). I wonder if our two roosters will help themselves to the oyster shells or will they know better?

 

[aoxa]

Thank goodness for this website and the knowledge of all the experienced chicken folk.  I went to my local Agway to get some grit the other day and they were out.  When I asked if they had any out back, the cashier said I should just buy layer feed.  I told her they weren't laying yet, they were only 15 weeks old and still on starter/grower and free range.  Then she said that they didn't need grit at all, it was an old wives tale and they would be fine without it.  I know when they free range they'll pick up some grit but I still feel like I need to offer it in the coop as well and trust they'll know if they need/want it or not.  I want my flock to eat as healthy and well as my family does.  So it sounds like I have the option to keep them on starter/grower and add oyster shells on the side.  I will also save the eggshells for the hens, bake them and crush them (til they don't look like eggshells anymore).  I wonder if our two roosters will help themselves to the oyster shells or will they know better?

They will know better. I have seen my roosters call the girls to the oyster shells. Boys like egg shells.

Don't worry if they look like egg shells. Mine have never developed an egg eating issue and I feed raw egg if an egg is broken. I don't have time to cook it for them, and it seems like a waste tossing them. Not one single issue and it's been a year since I've been doing that.

 

[Silkie Chicken]

so everyone what feed do you think I should buy for them please tell me I want my flock to eat very very healthy so please tell me what I need to get and what would be best

 

[Ashdoes]

Flock raiser or all flock. They're the same thing, but I believe diff companies call them by diff names. That way your Roos don't get all that calcium from layer. Then, get oyster shells in a little container for the hens to eat if they need it, don't mix it into your feed.

 

[Ashdoes]

Double post.