New layers!

[ChickyCh00k]

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

It will be fine to give them the layer feed that you ordered. After that bag is finished, you may think about switching to an "all flock" (I believe Purina's is called "Flock Raiser", and Nutrena's is called "All Flock") - or - switch back to starter/grower - offering oyster shell on the side, free-choice (either way).

Many people here at BYC use an all flock type feed for higher protein (usually 18-20%) and better levels of Lysine and Methionine (which are very important amino acids). Additionally, all-flock feeds have less calcium, so your hens can regulate their own intake of calcium, using the oyster shell on the side, based on their individual needs.

Do you have the name of the layer feed you ordered?

 

[FrostRanger]

A neighbor gave me a bag of scratch (from tractor supply) for the chickens. It has all the nutrients needed

Scratch is basically candy for chickens. It's OK as a treat, but it should not be a significant part of their diet. Too much scratch will throw things out of balance and will cause them to be overweight which causes a bunch of issues on its own

 

[Mama Lyle]

Scratch is basically candy for chickens. It's OK as a treat, but it should not be a significant part of their diet. Too much scratch will throw things out of balance and will cause them to be overweight which causes a bunch of issues on its own

Thank you for the info
I will look into getting something else for their protein

 

[FrostRanger]

Thank you for the info
I will look into getting something else for their protein

Best way to up protein is to switch to a higher protein feed. Many all flock feeds have 20% protein (make sure to provide oyster shell on the side for calcium) and ik nutrena has a 21% layer feed if you'd rather stick with layer feed. Scratch BTW only has 9% protein so feeding it to them would actually reduce the amount of protein they're getting overall