question?

[albird101]

I went today to the feed store and asked the guy what's the best feed for a mix flock of layers,bantams,seasonal layers, and roosters. He told me scratch would work best and add a calcium supplement on the side!

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

i personally don't think scratch would be a good diet unless your birds are free range. I would do layer pellets...roosters can eat them just fine. For me, the layer pellets are not much more expensive than the scratch.

 

[bigbruce]

That guy is wrong.just because they work at a feed store does not mean they know anything.(tractor supply is the worst in most cases.Scratch is not a balanced feed they need a 16% layer feed it has all they need

 

[daddyman]

[Scratch is a fun feed for the birds. Sort of a chicken candy. But definitely not a main feed.

For what it is worth, for a mixed flock, I would use a "flock raiser" feed and supplement with calcium on the side. Flock feeds frequently have a bit more protein than a straight layer feed, so you can still give some scratch, without lowering their protein intake too much, and the calcium on the side allows those that wish, to eat what they need.

Have fun and enjoy your birds!

 

[gillisjordan]

I wouldn't feed scratch. You should be able to get bags of laying hen crumb ratio at your country store. This will provide minerals and proteins that your flock needs. Also mix in some oyster shells for added calcium

 

[Folly's place]

You can feed everyone Flock Raiser, with oyster shell on the side for the laying hens. Mary

 

[aart]

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and all molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

 

[gillisjordan]

We feed our flock from one feeder. we mix in oyster shells regularly. Our roo eats them too.

 

[Folly's place]

Don't mix the oyster shell in with any feed; it needs to be separate. Laying hens will eat what they need, and other birds won't overeat it. Mary

 

[donrae]

I also feed an all in one type feed. The calcium in layer is too much for non producing birds, plus I like mine to have a little extra protein. Oyster shell and egg shells supplement calcium for the layers. Don't mix it with the feed or you might as well buy layer feed. Just toss it on the ground and they get the natural behavior of scratching for food also.