protein requirements for laying breeds

[digitS']

The minimum protein requirements for pullets usually read something like:

0-6 weeks 20%
6-14 weeks 16%
14-22 weeks 12%

laying hens 16%
Poultry Science, Mississippi State University

For those of us who feed starter (in my case, 21%) or "Flock Raiser" (20%), right up until laying and perhaps continuing - what are you doing to lower ration protein levels as the bird's growth slows?

Scratch, treats, veggies, forage . . . ?

Steve

 

[sandspoultry]

You can use a grow and finish, the Southern States version is 18% and it costs about the same as start n grow so we just keep them on the start n grow until 16 - 18 weeks then we feed them layer.

Steve in NC

 

[patandchickens]

A lot of people would cut the starter with oats or wheat.

I take it there a particular reason for you not to switch to a lower protein feed?

Pat

 

[digitS']

I take it there a particular reason for you not to switch to a lower protein feed?

Well, there is Pat. I like to supplement the feed with other things with lower protein levels. Oats or wheat would be a choice.

Availability is something of a problem. I buy starter at a local mill. They have a grower feed at 17% but I'm not too happy with this mill. I buy the starter because the chicks came from there and ate this feed for the first week of life, or so. Right now I've got enuf to last the pullets nearly until laying age.

Another local source only has Flock Raiser at 20%. That's not a change even tho' that's a route I've taken in the past. I've not scouted any farther afield.

Steve​

 

[Wynette]

Steve, I'd had similar issues in the past, and I have a pen full of juvenile birds (12-22 weeks) now.

I called Purina and spoke to their poultry expert, who advised me to switch from grower to their Flock Raiser for ALL the birds. He said to leave them on that until they begin to lay, then switch them to layer feed. So, I'm going this route. They've been on the Flock Raiser (and veggie/fruit treats) only for probably 8 weeks now, without issue. Hope this helps!

 

[digitS']

. . . we just keep them on the start n grow until 16 - 18 weeks then we feed them layer.

Steve in NC, nothing in addition during their "teens?"

. . . Flock Raiser (and veggie/fruit treats) . . .

Wynette, I liked the Flock Raiser better than what I've got now but go for those veggies, too.

Steve, ID/WA​

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I do the same thing. I start them on layer as soon as I get my first egg, but I do have oyster shells and grit in the coop earlier. Most people who take my eggs comment on how hard the shells are.

 

[sandspoultry]

digitS' :

. . . we just keep them on the start n grow until 16 - 18 weeks then we feed them layer.

Steve in NC, nothing in addition during their "teens?"

. . . Flock Raiser (and veggie/fruit treats) . . .

Wynette, I liked the Flock Raiser better than what I've got now but go for those veggies, too.

Steve, ID/WA​

Nothing extra in the "teens".​