Possible egg problem

[rihanna12]

My chickens range from 3-8 years old so do you think i should get another type of feed for them... We have a “Chicken guy” Who gave us our flock and has helped us with food and can see what he has.

 

[VonSFarms]

I do have grit and give electrolytes, protein, and give lettuce and fruits but haven’t given any herbs recently.. so would you think that giving oyster shells again is the smart choice because i dont know what to decide on..

If you have hens and aren't feeding a layer feed which has the extra calcium then yes you must have oyster shell as free choice for them to eat as needed. However I don't think that is the cause of the sour crop (if I read your previous post correctly about having it!) From what I read sour crop comes from other issues.

 

[rihanna12]

Thats what I thought as well but two at the same time got sour crop right when i gave it to them! But yeah so i will go to the store and find some layer feed... do you have a specific brand you prefer, my youngest chickens are 3 years old so they dont need anything for super young chickens.

 

[VonSFarms]

My chickens range from 3-8 years old so do you think i should get another type of feed for them... We have a “Chicken guy” Who gave us our flock and has helped us with food and can see what he has.

If you have a mixed flock (hens and roosters) then you feed them grower and offer oyster shell as free choice for the extra calcium. The extra calcium in layer feed isn't good for the rooster and if you have young pullets they need to be on grower feed for a specific amount of time. If you only have laying hens then you can feed grower or layer feed and offer oyster shell as free choice.

 

[VonSFarms]

Thats what I thought as well but two at the same time got sour crop right when i gave it to them! But yeah so i will go to the store and find some layer feed... do you have a specific brand you prefer, my youngest chickens are 3 years old so they dont need anything for super young chickens.

I have only used Scratch N Pecks and have it shipped on auto ship bc its easier!! Unfortunately I'm not familiar with other brands

 

[rihanna12]

If you have a mixed flock (hens and roosters) then you feed them grower and offer oyster shell as free choice for the extra calcium. The extra calcium in layer feed isn't good for the rooster and if you have young pullets they need to be on grower feed for a specific amount of time. If you only have laying hens then you can feed grower or layer feed and offer oyster shell as free choice.

I only have hens... I thought i read that if hens eat too much calcium throughout the years that it will cause problems.. is that true?
I have three laying and 5 that are retired from that so is it alright for them to eat That too?

 

[rihanna12]

I have only used Scratch N Pecks and have it shipped on auto ship bc its easier!! Unfortunately I'm not familiar with other brands

Thank you!! And you Use that for hens that are older than just pullets?

 

[VonSFarms]

I only have hens... I thought i read that if hens eat too much calcium throughout the years that it will cause problems.. is that true?
I have three laying and 5 that are retired from that so is it alright for them to eat That too?

If your hens are not laying anymore then it's better to feed them grower feed and offer oyster shell as free choice for those hens that are still laying.

 

[VonSFarms]

Thank you!! And you Use that for hens that are older than just pullets?

Yes! I feed only grower food, offer grit and oyster shell and everyone is happy and healthy I also add the Scratch N Pecks herbs to their feed for added nutrients. I have always had roosters and now some of my hens are older and not laying and the grower is just fine. I have called the company to verify what I need for different ages and for roosters/hens are they are always super helpful and have always answered all of my questions

 

[rihanna12]

So an update... yesterday nothing new but today i got a healthy looking egg! I will keep an eye on my chickens and none of them are acting off so thank you for the help!