Pullet Feed Question...

[jeffdubya]

So I am feeding my new flock the Purina Medicated "Grow" layer crumble. But these little beasts are ravenous, and I find myself going out in the afternoon with a second round, as all of their morning feed has been completely devoured.

I have been starting to supplement their diet with scraps... mostly veggies. But my question is this;

I have quite a bit of regular layer crumble warehoused in my shed, and it is KILLING me to go buy additional feed when I have so much on hand. Clearly the "grow" formula has extra stuff that they need, but will it hurt them to supplement with the regular crumble? I ask because I know that it has ingredients to promote laying, and I am just concerned that it might not be the best thing to do until and unless they reach maturity and actually begin laying.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They should be on grower (from 8 weeks) until point of lay or around 18-20 weeks.

Layer crumbles/pellets have way too much calcium and can damage kidneys of pullets/chicks. They are formulated to keep up with the calcium needs of a laying hen, which are huge.

Feed only keeps for 3-4 months under ideal storage conditions (cool/dry).

If your storage conditions are humid and/or hot, I would consider selling the feed, freezing it, or giving it to a friend if you will be thinking it will go bad.

Vitamin deficiencies in chickens aren't pretty, so as the feed degrades, you have a higher chance of a vitamin deficiency as well, so make sure they are going to be eating grass/other greens/fruits/veg if you are going to be feeding the feed after storing it awhile, as well.

 

[jeffdubya]

Allrighty, so my suspicions are validated. I will stick with the grow formula until at least 16 weeks. Thanks.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Whole grain feed of course keeps longer (whole wheat, millet, whole corn, etc.)

But the cracked grains do go rancid.

Moldy feed can kill chickens, and thus if you have humid storage conditions that is a concern.

I hope this helps!

 

[jeffdubya]

"so much" for me is 3-4 bags. And I do supplement quite a bit with fresh vegetables.