Agreed.Welcome to BYC! You don't feed layer feed until later. They should have grower feed until 16 weeks at the earliest.
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Agreed.Welcome to BYC! You don't feed layer feed until later. They should have grower feed until 16 weeks at the earliest.
Hello Darlia, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I've never fed layer feed to my flock in over 5 years and have always had roosters/cockerels. I just keep them on grower/broiler mash, Flock Raiser or whatever all flock type feed is available that offers 18-20% protein. I have two containers of oyster shell on the side for the active layers.
Hens don't need the extra calcium during the winter after they molt and before they start laying again in the Spring.
An All Flock feed is always best if you keep a rooster, they don't need all the calcium that's in layer, your boy will be healthier and live longer.Are you saying they do not lay at all in the winter? Also the bag recommends starting layers feed at 15 weeks but then I know there's a rooster in this flock as we have heard the crowing so how would I make sure that the roo gets the right feed? I think I'll just take ya'lls advice and just feed the all flock. Period. I did buy some oyster shell too..they are almost 15 weeks.
Darlia
Thanks! Yes they are fun. Hilarious to watch as they are so inquisitive and each has a different personality.Hello Darlia and welcome to BYC!
You have been given great advice above. For a mixed flock I always feed an All Flock type feed that does not have high calcium levels. And offer oyster shell on the side in a small tub kept near the food or water for hens to access when needed.
Enjoy your flock, Tophats are a fun breed!
That's another wayAn All Flock feed is always best if you keep a rooster, they don't need all the calcium that's in layer, your boy will be healthier and live longer.
After their first year, most hens molt in the fall and winter. All the protein goes into growing new feathers so most hens don't lay or lay very infrequently until molting is finished and or late winter, early spring.