Should I by feed without added calcium?

[Lori J]

My three-month olds are often sneaking the adult hen’s pellets. I always buy my adult hens the Purina layena pellets with oyster shell calcium. I’ve heard that too much calcium will overload the young chick’s kidneys. Would it be better to make a special trip and buy some adult food that does not contain added calcium just in case?

 

[Ebony Rose]

I would. I serve supplemental calcium on the side, those that want or need it will eat it, and those that don't need it typically avoid it unless very young. An all flock feed + calcium supplement of your choice (oyster shell, egg shell, or whatever that stuff is that simply says 'calcium supplement' at the feed store) will work.

 

[feathermaid]

I would just switch your whole flock to Purina Flock Raiser or an All Flock type feed. Crumbles may be more palatable for younger birds for the first bag or two. I've discovered that layer pellets really aren't all that special, and I think my birds do better with the slightly higher protein content (20%) which helps them through molting and winter months as well. If you ever plan to get chicks regularly or have a rooster, it makes feeding everyone so much easier, no worries about keeping separate groups. Just be sure to offer a separate container of oyster shells free choice for the laying birds. This also lets the ladies self regulate how much calcium their bodies actually need.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I would just switch your whole flock to Purina Flock Raiser or an All Flock type feed. Crumbles may be more palatable for younger birds for the first bag or two. I've discovered that layer pellets really aren't all that special, and I think my birds do better with the slightly higher protein content (20%) which helps them through molting and winter months as well. If you ever plan to get chicks regularly or have a rooster, it makes feeding everyone so much easier, no worries about keeping separate groups. Just be sure to offer a separate container of oyster shells free choice for the laying birds. This also lets the ladies self regulate how much calcium their bodies actually need.

I totally agree. I did separate feeding forever and finally went to grower for all with free choice oyster shell. I have ONE layer who goes a little crazy with the calcium and ends up with calcium "bumps" on her shell butshe's the only one and it's occasional.

Sorry for the typos, I'm on my cell.

 

[feathermaid]

I totally agree. I did separate feeding forever and finally went to grower for all with free choice oyster shell. I have ONE layer who goes a little crazy with the calcium and ends up with calcium "bumps" on her shell butshe's the only one and it's occasional.

Sorry for the typos, I'm on my cell.

I have one bird that leaves calcium deposits too! She's an EE and I've heard that it's very common for that breed. But doesn't bother me

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My three-month olds are often sneaking the adult hen’s pellets. I always buy my adult hens the Purina layena pellets with oyster shell calcium. I’ve heard that too much calcium will overload the young chick’s kidneys. Would it be better to make a special trip and buy some adult food that does not contain added calcium just in case?

My chicks often sample my side dish of oyster shell even though I don't use layer. The kidney issue mentioned is if birds not in lay are fed excess calcium long term, AND likely genetically predisposed (also most likely if they are confined with no access to other forage). Aside from possible kidney issues from the calcium, it is lower in protein (and amino acids). Between the two it *could* (doesn't mean will) stunt growth and delay onset of lay. Young birds are still having mini molts to grow in adult feathers. And feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids.

I prefer the Purina flock raiser for all my birds (20% protein) with OS on the side for layers. My birds do well on this feed regimen.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I have one bird that leaves calcium deposits too! She's an EE and I've heard that it's very common for that breed. But doesn't bother me

Mines a Barred Rock but the shell strength is perfect and they still taste amazing so Meh, whatever! She forages all day, too so who knows what else she's eating!? If they're healthy and mostly happy then it'sall good!

 

[Cindy in PA]

Layer at 18 weeks might slow production, but many feeds go from 18% starter to 15% grower in order to slow maturity. I love getting eggs fast, but in reality it may not be good for the chickens!