Ruby is unwell :(

[Kiki]

I'm glad she is feeling well.

What is the brand name of the feed you use?
Can you post a photo if the guaranteed analysis on the bag and one of the actual ingredients please.

 

[micstrachan]

Modesto Milling. Here is a photo of an old label. I assume the current one would have the same analysis, but I’m at work now. Thanks for your help.

 

[Kiki]

Modesto Milling. Here is a photo of an old label. I assume the current one would have the same analysis, but I’m at work now. Thanks for your help.
View attachment 1409206

Thanks.
Notice the feeding directions here.
I also wanted to see what the actual ingredients are because what I am reading about protein is the source of the protein makes a difference with respect to other needed vitamins/minerals.

I think you should switch to the Modesto layer feed.

 

[micstrachan]

I do understand it is grower and not layer, but my girls seemed to be doing well on the extra protein (which may not be accurate, we’ll see). Some girls were not laying, so I did not want them to have the extra calcium in layer feed. This is the most expensive feed they have, so I would love to spend less if something else would be better for them.

 

[Kiki]

Check out the percentages in all of the Modesto feeds side by side here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1upDVFXEQPK8PUIF6Sj3Bt5CUQfX1PlTEhg799sDT-qM/edit?usp=sharing

 

[Kiki]

Crud...I'm just noticing that Modesto doesn't list specifics on their bags for lysine and methionine and that is what I really wanted to compare!


ETA. Their website doesn't list specifics like your picture does. You wouldn't happen to have these tags for any other Modesto feeds...so I can add this to my sheet?

 

[micstrachan]

I will definitely give it some thought. It seems something in the middle might be best for my flock. The layer is only 16% protein, which did not seem like enough for them. And I would prefer not to have them on layer when some are molting. I think everyone is laying now, except maybe Ruby, so it might be time to slowly switch back to layer or a mix of the two.
Ruby was in a laying box when I left, but I won’t know if she lays, as I can’t tell all the eggs apart. She can get up to a 3-foot roost, but face plants a bit when she jumps down. Not 100%, but better than the weekend.

 

[Kiki]

I'd like to point out that you should pay attention to all the "stuff" in the guaranteed analysis.
It's not just about the protein...layers need more of certain vitamins and minerals too.
Some "starter/grower" feeds have higher or lower amounts of certain things.

I am also wondering if Rudy perhaps doesn't eat the oyster shell you provide?
Or doesn't eat enough of it? There really isn't a way to observe who eats exactly what each day unless you can sit and watch them the entire time.

 

[Kiki]

I edited post 106

 

[micstrachan]

The tag says 0.7% and 0.5% for lysine and methionine.
You’re right; I have no way of knowing who is taking in oyster shell. Nobody has had issues with shell less eggs except Buttercup when she first came into lay and then again after molt.
I spoke (over email, I think) to a Modesto Milling rep once when my feed store had an old mill date and the person was pretty helpful. I may reach out and see if I can get those numbers. I am almost out of feed, so this is the perfect time to integrate a change.