Proper nutrition & food or medication

[Plutopunk]

My chickens are black australorp and just started laying eggs I feed them just the dumor 16% layer crumble. I’m just wonder if I need to buy more or different food or something else I should be adding or giving them?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Sounds like you are doing a great job!
Do you also offer grit on the side as a free choice?

 

[Plutopunk]

Sounds like you are doing a great job!
Do you also offer grit on the side as a free choice?

I was reading about adding grit, I actually do not but I think I should. I do offer cracked corn for them but I know it doesn’t offer the same benefits as grit.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I was reading about adding grit, I actually do not but I think I should. I do offer cracked corn for them but I know it doesn’t offer the same benefits as grit.

No cracked corn doesn't substitute for Grit.
I offer both Granite Grit and Oyster Shells, each in separate containers for my hens and pullets.

I feed a Non-medicated Starter Grower feed to my hens and pullets, so Oyster Shells are necessary. GC

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Was going to suggest oyster shell on the side, as well. Layer feed has some calcium, but the oyster shell is inexpensive insurance to assure the flock is getting all the calcium they need.

With both the grit and oyster shell, offer them on the side, not mixed into their feed.

Good luck and happy chicken owning!

 

[Yvette In California]

Some additional questions here, if I may! I've got two nearly 5 month old Black Australorps as well and their comb and waddles are now bright red. They are healthy, happy, girls. I've got two ditzy 6 month old silkies, bless their little hearts. Everyone gets along fine, they eat like hogs, and goodness are they noisy. No eggs yet, stunt egg in place, freeloaders for now. ANYHOW, I noticed I get conflicting info from the feed store lady versus what I see here and from some of my favorite chicken lady bloggers (whom all say they learned everything with you all). Here's my questions regarding this topic:

• Do any of you offer the old egg shells for calcium? I've read you need to bake them at a certain temp to kill bacteria, and crunch them up so they don't resemble the eggs they'd be laying. I'd love to hear your experiences on this.
• Just to make sure I read this right, grit, AND oysters/calcium offered freely? My feed store said their feed had everything the girls needed. I'm skeptical. I'm also concerned I took too long to get this offered.
• Fermenting the feed. I have seen a lot of folks doing this, and my feed store lady said she never heard of it... it's all good. But I do know from friends that have horses they ferment the feed to make it more digestible. I'm going to look up here in the awesome learning center about it, but I'd love to hear how this has worked for folks.

Just trying to do it all right by the girls, and make sure they are living their best freeloader life.... I mean, eggy, happy, life. Add in extra ditzy for my silkies.

Additionally, ENORMOUS thanks to the community here. It has been such a great education, inspiration, and fun opportunity. TIA for any feedback. Cheers.

 

[rosemarythyme]

• Do any of you offer the old egg shells for calcium? I've read you need to bake them at a certain temp to kill bacteria, and crunch them up so they don't resemble the eggs they'd be laying. I'd love to hear your experiences on this.
• Just to make sure I read this right, grit, AND oysters/calcium offered freely? My feed store said their feed had everything the girls needed. I'm skeptical. I'm also concerned I took too long to get this offered.
• Fermenting the feed. I have seen a lot of folks doing this, and my feed store lady said she never heard of it... it's all good. But I do know from friends that have horses they ferment the feed to make it more digestible. I'm going to look up here in the awesome learning center about it, but I'd love to hear how this has worked for folks.

1) I don't use eggshells, just oyster shell.

2) Yes they should have grit and a calcium source offered freely. Grit will help them break down anything they eat, from feed to snacks to plants/bugs they pick up around the run or yard. The calcium in layer feed (if you're using it) will meet an "average" chicken's needs. Some birds may need more than others.

3) I ferment, though less for the purported health benefits and more to reduce waste and ensure my birds eat their complete diet, as I feed a whole grain mash.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Some additional questions here, if I may! I've got two nearly 5 month old Black Australorps as well and their comb and waddles are now bright red. They are healthy, happy, girls. I've got two ditzy 6 month old silkies, bless their little hearts. Everyone gets along fine, they eat like hogs, and goodness are they noisy. No eggs yet, stunt egg in place, freeloaders for now. ANYHOW, I noticed I get conflicting info from the feed store lady versus what I see here and from some of my favorite chicken lady bloggers (whom all say they learned everything with you all). Here's my questions regarding this topic:

• Do any of you offer the old egg shells for calcium? I've read you need to bake them at a certain temp to kill bacteria, and crunch them up so they don't resemble the eggs they'd be laying. I'd love to hear your experiences on this.
• Just to make sure I read this right, grit, AND oysters/calcium offered freely? My feed store said their feed had everything the girls needed. I'm skeptical. I'm also concerned I took too long to get this offered.
• Fermenting the feed. I have seen a lot of folks doing this, and my feed store lady said she never heard of it... it's all good. But I do know from friends that have horses they ferment the feed to make it more digestible. I'm going to look up here in the awesome learning center about it, but I'd love to hear how this has worked for folks.

Just trying to do it all right by the girls, and make sure they are living their best freeloader life.... I mean, eggy, happy, life. Add in extra ditzy for my silkies.

Additionally, ENORMOUS thanks to the community here. It has been such a great education, inspiration, and fun opportunity. TIA for any feedback. Cheers.

1) I've never used eggshell. I dont think it would allow the proper amount of calcium being fed over and over again.
2)I offer oyster shell (because we feed all flockninstead of layer feed) but we have very rocky soil so my girls find their grit by themselves. I've never had a problem with them doing
this.
3)I also ferment feed for the less waste reason. Chickens throw their feed everywhere like they're looking for gold. They cant do that with fermented feed.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Do any of you offer the old egg shells for calcium? I've read you need to bake them at a certain temp to kill bacteria, and crunch them up so they don't resemble the eggs they'd be laying.

I don't feed egg shells lately, but when I did.
I let egg shells air dry a day or two, depending on humidity. I don't microwave or bake. I don't mix with Oyster Shells though. I toss it in their pen.
I crush with my fingers.

Just to make sure I read this right, grit, AND oysters/calcium offered freely? My feed store said their feed had everything the girls needed. I'm skeptical.

I offer "adult size" Poultry Grit at 7 weeks old "free choice".
I offer Oyster Shells at 15 weeks old "free choice".

Fermenting the feed.

I don't ferment feed. I do wet crumble feed and serve immediately as a treat.

The feeds I buy have Probiotics.

GC

 

[Yvette In California]

1) I don't use eggshells, just oyster shell.

2) Yes they should have grit and a calcium source offered freely. Grit will help them break down anything they eat, from feed to snacks to plants/bugs they pick up around the run or yard. The calcium in layer feed (if you're using it) will meet an "average" chicken's needs. Some birds may need more than others.

3) I ferment, though less for the purported health benefits and more to reduce waste and ensure my birds eat their complete diet, as I feed a whole grain mash.

Thank you tremendously! I appreciate it.

I'm also super happy to report my silkie and my larger black australorps started laying on Saturday the most beautiful little eggs! The shells are in fantastic shape and thickness. The yokes are gorgeous and so delicious.

Cheers!