New layers!

[laurenhope98]

Hi everyone! We got our first egg today!! So 1 of the 4 chickens is laying eggs now. What layer feed do yall recommend? We have tractor supply and Atwood’s by us. I’ve heard good things about kalmbach feeds and want to eventually order it for them but I’m looking for a good alternative at tractor supply for now. Any recommendations? Thank you!

 

[Brooks_]

I would recommend staying with starter/grower or all flock/flock raiser and offering oyster shell in a separate dish.

 

[FrostRanger]

I second sticking with an all flock, just provide some oyster shell for the new layer on the side
Also congrats on the egg! First eggs are exciting!

 

[laurenhope98]

I would recommend staying with starter/grower or all flock/flock raiser and offering oyster shell in a separate dish.

We don’t have roosters. I already ordered the 17% layer feed…

 

[laurenhope98]

I second sticking with an all flock, just provide some oyster shell for the new layer on the side
Also congrats on the egg! First eggs are exciting!

We don’t have roosters. I already ordered the 17% layer feed…

 

[Brooks_]

We don’t have roosters. I already ordered the 17% layer feed…

My recommendation stands. Higher protein and better amino acid profile.

That said, 17% is adequate for a layer flack.

 

[FrostRanger]

We don’t have roosters. I already ordered the 17% layer feed…

Even if you don't have roosters it's still not a bad idea to feed all flock. For one, you have 3 pullets who aren't laying and while we can certainly make an educated guess, we don't know when they'll start up. Second, hens do take a break every now and then and when they're on break, they don't need the extra calcium. Third, over time your birds will get older and will slow down and eventually stop laying. If you do choose to keep them, they won't need the extra calcium, same if you add chicks. Basically it's less switching around. Also all flock has more protein usually. I have an all female flock and still feed all flock myself for that reason

 

[laurenhope98]

My recommendation stands. Higher protein and better amino acid profile.

That said, 17% is adequate for a layer flack.

I bought 17% layer feed. Will it be fine or should I cancel and order something else?

 

[laurenhope98]

Even if you don't have roosters it's still not a bad idea to feed all flock. For one, you have 3 pullets who aren't laying and while we can certainly make an educated guess, we don't know when they'll start up. Second, hens do take a break every now and then and when they're on break, they don't need the extra calcium. Third, over time your birds will get older and will slow down and eventually stop laying. If you do choose to keep them, they won't need the extra calcium, same if you add chicks. Basically it's less switching around. Also all flock has more protein usually. I have an all female flock and still feed all flock myself for that reason

They’re at 18 weeks which I’ve heard is fine to start feeding later feed at that age. I purchased 17% layer feed and planned on mixing it with the rest of their started feed until the starter feed is gone.

 

[Mama Lyle]

They’re at 18 weeks which I’ve heard is fine to start feeding later feed at that age. I purchased 17% layer feed and planned on mixing it with the rest of their started feed until the starter feed is gone.

I agree a high protein helps the chicks, lay eggs.
A neighbor gave me a bag of scratch (from tractor supply) for the chickens. It has all the nutrients needed.
I also started giving them some veggies scraps to help with other nutrients.
My chicks didn't start laying until 20 weeks.
Be patient, ur girls won't let you down, as long as they feel comfortable and happy.