Purina Layena

[Jnewt419]

I have been trying the Purina Layena lately. Trying to give it a fair chance, I am now on my 3rd bag. I have noticed a few changes with my birds and am curious if anyone else has experienced the same. The first thing (and worse) I noticed is the amount of litter. It has probably doubled. I am sure that it is a consequence of how much they eat and eat they do. That has also increased dramatically. It's almost like they are not absorbing anything from it. I have also noticed a small difference with eggshell quality as the shells crack very clean but have become fragile. I generally feed ADM Penpals but like most people, I'm always looking for a "better" feed. I am sure that Purina is not it especially at about 4-5 dollars more than the Penpals. Variety is limited where I'm located so back to ADM. Has anyone else been down this road with Purina?

 

[ValerieJ]

I used Purina Layena for 3 years and it was fine. But I have switched to an All Flock because of their molt this year, and also I will be introducing at least one cockerel to the flock in the coming months. They get fresh oyster shell every day, but I have noticed my eggs have thinner shells sometimes, and have had the occasional broken egg in the coop that I think was the result of the thin shell.

 

[aart]

I noticed is the amount of litter. It has probably doubled.

By "litter".... do you mean poop?

ADM Penpals

What is the protein and calcium percentages of this feed?

 

[Jnewt419]

By "litter".... do you mean poop?


What is the protein and calcium percentages of this feed?

Sorry, Yes that is what I mean by "litter"

 

[Jnewt419]

Crude Protein, min. ............................... 16.0%


Lysine, min. ............................................... 0.7%

Methionine, min. ..................................... 0.32%

Crude Fat, min. ....................................... 3.0%

Crude Fiber, max. ................................... 6.0%

Calcium (Ca), min./max. ........................ 3.9-4.9%

Phosphorus (P), min. .............................. 0.4%

Salt (NaCl), min./max. ............................ 0.2-0.7%

Vitamin A, min. ........................................ 3,200 IU/lb

 

[aart]

Crude Protein, min. ............................... 16.0%

Huh, Layena is 16% too.
Do you check mfg dates on feed?
Sometimes if feed is a couple-few months old the nutrition can be degraded and they'll eat less ...or more.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I haven't had any of those problems with Purina Layena. I've used it for a few months now, & have had good strong shells, & membranes. I only had 1 shell-less egg from a silkie hen, which I believe was stressed. I only had 1 thin shelled egg from a different silkie who apparently wasn't getting enough calcium somehow.

 

[Jnewt419]

Huh, Layena is 16% too.
Do you check mfg dates on feed?
Sometimes if feed is a couple-few months old the nutrition can be degraded and they'll eat less ...or more.

Havent checked the date. The feed itself looked really good and they did eat it very well. Just a little too well.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Mine did very well on it.
I have switched to Purina All Flock and have oyster shell on the side now.

I have a lot of older birds and breeds that are known to not lay a lot of eggs.

No issues with that change here......except that finding fresh can be a pain. The stores aren't rotating out older stock.

 

[aart]

I have switched to Purina All Flock and have oyster shell on the side now....
.....except that finding fresh can be a pain. The stores aren't rotating out older stock.

Product has a 6 month shelf life, not sure if that's TSC or Purina policy......I complain at store and sometimes they order fresh.