Protein

[katieuppi]

In your opinion, what is the optimal percentage of protein in feed for laying hens?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I think it depends on the type of bird. If a skinny layer type the 16% is perfect. A larger dual purpose bird would do better with 18+% as they are maintaining that mass and producing eggs.

I raise dual purpose and have growing birds every year so use a 20% protein all flock type feed. Only one type of feed for entire flock makes things easy so toss oyster shells out once or twice a week for calcium supplement for active layers.

 

[katieuppi]

I think it depends on the type of bird. If a skinny layer type the 16% is perfect. A larger dual purpose bird would do better with 18+% as they are maintaining that mass and producing eggs.

I raise dual purpose and have growing birds every year so use a 20% protein all flock type feed. Only one type of feed for entire flock makes things easy so toss oyster shells out once or twice a week for calcium supplement for active layers.

I've got 2 EE, a PBR and a BCM. I've been feeding 16%, but my intuition says the 19% would be the better option for them.

 

[lazy gardener]

It depends on how you are feeding it, and what else you are giving them. I give 16% layer. the fermentation process produces extra lysine and methionine. My birds do not get much in the way of scratch grains. But, I do sprout grains/seeds for them in the winter. Many others give more than 16%. I suggest that you read some studies, do some research, and make your decision based on that.

 

[GC-Raptor]

In my experience with my current flock of duel purpose chickens, 5 Golden Comets. A 18% Protein layers pellet is ideal. Last summer I switched to a 16% layers pellet with flax seed, for the healthier eggs. I fed them 3 bags and was not happy with their appearance or behavior. I found a 18% layers pellet with flax seed, and after a month or so their appearance and behavior improved to their previous selves, like when I was feeding a 18% layers pellet without flax.
So in my opinion, I believe a feed with 18/20 percent Protein, from day old chicks up to onset of lay and throughout adulthood, for a backyard flock of chickens is ideal.
I fed my day old chicks a 18% Start and Grow till they were ready to lay, and then I mixed the crumble with pellets for 2 weeks, and mixed the pellets with scratch grains and tossed on dry ground, and they scoffed up the pellets without a fuss.
As a treat I have switched to mixed wild bird seed mixed 50/50 with layers pellets scattered on the ground, twice a day, 3 times in sub freezing temps. They still scoff up the pellets like it was junk food, at 22 months of age. GC

 

[Onslow's Hens]

What Layer feed do you all use that has the higher protein amounts. I am feeding Southern States All Grain Layer and really like the quality of it but I think my Dual Purpose breeds need more protein.
what brands do you use that have higher protein % than 16%. Thanks.

 

[micstrachan]

I am in California and my girls like Modesto Milling’s organic, soy free, corn free grower crumble at 22% protein. First ingredient is milo, so I may look for something else, as I just learned milo is considered low grade.

 

[GC-Raptor]

What Layer feed do you all use that has the higher protein amounts. I am feeding Southern States All Grain Layer and really like the quality of it but I think my Dual Purpose breeds need more protein.
what brands do you use that have higher protein % than 16%. Thanks.

Nutrina Naturewise Hearty Hen pellets, 18% Protein, soy free, with flax. GC

 

[Cindy in PA]

Southern States has a 21% feed I believe.

 

[Onslow's Hens]

Thanks - yes Southern States has Specialty Flock (gamebird) Breeder feed. It is 21% protein and the calcium is slightly lower than their chicken Layer 16% layer feed. Was already thinking I might try that.
So is it ok to feed something like a FlockRaiser or Gamebird feed or a Grower feed to laying chickens? Is a separate dish of Oyster Shell sufficient to keep egg shell quality good. I really think my hens need more than a 16% feed. I have had them All on a meat bird grower 20% feed becasue of a late Molt AND because I am introducing some new pullets (not egg laying age just yet). I am also providing oyster Shell in a dish for the layers to use. Since starting the 20% feed (and since molt is now over) I am getting 9 eggs a day from 9 laying hens! I know eggs are better after a molt but I am starting to think the additional protein