Omega-3 or not???

[av8ersteve]

Hello all. Hope you AND your chickens are doing well. I am getting ready to permanently switch my girls from Dumor chicken feed to Layena layer pellets, (they are 16 weeks old now and this switch will occur in 2 weeks) and am interested in your thoughts and opinions on whether or not to use the regular Layena pellets or the Omega-3 pellets? The Omega costs a little more but I know that doesn't always mean it's better. Thanks. I'm just wanting the best "TASTING" eggs on the planet, ya know?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't know about those feed brands, but I wouldn't switch until most if not all your pullets are laying as switching too early will slow down maturity, and the start of lay. I would keep them on a non medicated starter grower and and a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. I personally never feed a layer due to the lower protein and the extra calcium. I prefer my hens to self regulate their calcium needs.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I bought 3 bags, (1 at a time) last summer, for my 5 hens.
I was not impressed with their behavior and appearance.
I don't think it's the Omega 3 (flax) in the feed. Its the low Protein 16%.
I was feeding a 18% layers feed before switching.
I switched back to a 18% layers feed with Omega 3 last fall, and within a month I noticed a change for the better in behavior. Within 3 months they were back to their previous appearance and behavior.
My Golden Comets need a 18/20% feed to look good and behave, (as in not feather picking).
My girls get a treat of seeds scattered in their pen twice a day, and free range an hour a day, weather permitting.
If you don't give lots of treats or free range, a 16% Protein feed could be enough.
I am currently feeding a 18% non-medicated Starter Grower feed because I only have 3 hens now, and a 40# bag goes bad before its used up, (5 months from mill date when stored at room temperature before a drop in egg production), in my experience.
I buy a 25# bag of Start & Grow and offer Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC