Separating chick feed and layer feed

[Brooks_]

So layer feed isn’t good for laying hens is what i’m getting? and i should be feeding them an all flock food?

For the typical back yard flock, I've found most layer formulas to lack enough protein. I think all flock (with oyster shell on the side) is superior. But don't look at the "type" as an end all be all. Look at the nutritional label and go from there.

 

[CKfarm22]

For the typical back yard flock, I've found most layer formulas to lack enough protein. I think all flock (with oyster shell on the side) is superior. But don't look at the "type" as an end all be all. Look at the nutritional label and go from there.

This is the difference between the one i have and the flock raiser.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

So layer feed isn’t good for laying hens is what i’m getting? and i should be feeding them an all flock food?

Layer was built to be the minimum (expense) feed for commercial chickens of the 60s, 70s, 80s under commercial management methods below which economic losses in birds, egg production (size and frequency) were not offset by savings in the cost of feed.

If you aren't raising 60s, 70s, 80s -type commercial layers (chances are almost 100% that you aren't), under commercial management methods (you aren't), with a sole interest in maximizing profit (you aren't), than the studies responsible for the "layer diet" don't exactly fit your needs. ...and even if you were doing all those things, the birds of today are far better than the birds of yesterday in terms of egg production (and therefore dietary needs) and the cost inputs have all changed.

Its useful science, and a good starting point. Not, in my view, a good place to stop after reading the word "layer" and concluding its a perfect solution for your situation. As some do, and the largely ignorant farm store employees often recommend.

 

[CKfarm22]

Layer was built to be the minimum (expense) feed for commercial chickens of the 60s, 70s, 80s under commercial management methods below which economic losses in birds, egg production (size and frequency) were not offset by savings in the cost of feed.

If you aren't raising 60s, 70s, 80s -type commercial layers (chances are almost 100% that you aren't), under commercial management methods (you aren't), with a sole interest in maximizing profit (you aren't), than the studies responsible for the "layer diet" don't exactly fit your needs. ...and even if you were doing all those things, the birds of today are far better than the birds of yesterday in terms of egg production (and therefore dietary needs) and the cost inputs have all changed.

Its useful science, and a good starting point. Not, in my view, a good place to stop after reading the word "layer" and concluding its a perfect solution for your situation. As some do, and the largely ignorant farm store employees often recommend.

I’m new to raising chickens, so i’m very very new to this, as everyone has been there. I went to the pet store and bought layer feed because well they are laying hens.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I’m new to raising chickens, so i’m very very new to this, as everyone has been there. I went to the pet store and bought layer feed because well they are laying hens.

Exactly. They do well based on consumer reliance. Just like all those coop manufacturers that mostly make dog houses and rabbit hutches. They aren't in the business of educating, and have no significant incentive to improve their product.

 

[CKfarm22]

Exactly. They do well based on consumer reliance. Just like all those coop manufacturers that mostly make dog houses and rabbit hutches. They aren't in the business of educating, and have no significant incentive to improve their product.

So i’m better switching to flock raiser (i posted) with free choice oyster shell

 

[U_Stormcrow]

So i’m better switching to flock raiser (i posted) with free choice oyster shell

Yep, but no need to throw out the layer, let your birds finish it, make the transition.

 

[CKfarm22]

Yep, but no need to throw out the layer, let your birds finish it, make the transition.

It’s a brand new bag so i have no problems returning it and buying what they actually need!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Is it okay for the older hens to have the medicated feed? I read somewhere that you aren’t supposed to eat the eggs for two weeks from the hens that had large quantities of medicated feed.

Why not eat the the eggs for two weeks. This is the first I have read....I have bacon ready and waiting for our new eggs. I am confused.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Why not eat the the eggs for two weeks. This is the first I have read....I have bacon ready and waiting for our new eggs. I am confused.

No reason. At least, here in the US. The most common coccidiastat used in medicated feed here in the states is Amprolium, there is no withdrawal period for poultry. The commercial egg producers locally feed medicated feed the chicken's entire lives to keep the little coccidia under control in those battery hen operations, and have for decades.

Another case of "beware what you read on the Internet/see on YouTube". Just as you shouldn't accept my post without question - which is why I link sources.

You might find this survey to be a useful future reference.