so I finally got oyster grit and...

[getaclue]

During molt, I find that treating them with cheap cat food works really well. Don't overdo it. Yes, through the years I've had one or two that went almost bald during molt. I tend to get a bag of fairly high protein feed, and mix it into their normal feed. Two scoops normal feed, one scoop high protein. I feed it to the whole flock. When they're mostly feathered in, I decrease the protein, but continue the cat food as an occasional treat. The reason for the cat food is that it's animal based protein, while most feeds are vegetable based protein. They actually do need a little animal protein, and the cat food is an affordable way to supply that need.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My flock refuses to eat them so i have been having to sneak them in scraps. I see photos of peope on here having them in a container by themselves for their flock. Any ideas? I know chickens are a creature of habit but i assumed they would eat it without me having to sneak feed them it...

I just switched to a new better healthier nutrena feather fixer 18% feed for all ages. I believe is the name ill take a pic of bag to post soon, so that coukd be the reason...good point!
Bc soneone sent me link on here and laying pellets arent as healthy or good for your flock unless you have strictly laying battery hen farm

Good idea. I had it in in a tray. Well, i was feeding them laying pellets until i was informed by a member unless i have a battery chick farm strictly laying hens its actually not all what its cracked to be for yout average flock owner so i switched to a all age feather fixer feed, which BTW they love. So maybe thats why they didnt touch it they are gettib everything needed from healthier feed i switched them ri same day i purchased a bag of oyster grit!

I agree with the others - make your oyster shell available free choice, your layers will take what they need.

Just a word of caution here - I see you have mentioned "FEED FOR ALL AGES" 2times in your posts. Read your feed bag and the paper tag that is on the bag carefully. Feather Fixer is a "life stage" feed that contains a percentage of calcium commonly found in layer feed. It's recommended on the tag and feeding instructions for chickens 16weeks or older or at the first sign of feather loss for hens and roosters. Note the "hen" and "rooster" this would indicate a chicken that is going through an ADULT molt (usually around 16-18months old). So what's the bottom line - it is not a feed for all ages (too much calcium), chicks and pullets should still be eating chick starter or an all flock type feed, until point of lay. Looking at the nutritional analysis, feather fixer is a layer feed with an 18%protein content.

Nutrena NatureWise Feather Fixer 18% Pellet
Feeding Directions:

• Feed as the sole ration at the first sign of feather loss for hens and roosters over 16 weeks of age; transition to NatureWise Layer 16% after molting is complete
• May also be fed to laying hens and mature roosters year-round for optimal feathering and brilliant plumage
• Don't let feeders run empty
• Keep clean, fresh water available at all times
• Provide appropriate-size grit as needed
• Make oyster shell available free choice from the onset of lay
• If feeding a crumble-form product prior to feeding Feather Fixer, a week's transition of mixing the former product with the pelleted Feather Fixer may be required to encourage the birds to consume the pellets

reference: https://www.ruralking.com/feather-fixer-poultry-feed-40.html

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

During molt, I find that treating them with cheap cat food works really well. Don't overdo it. Yes, through the years I've had one or two that went almost bald during molt. I tend to get a bag of fairly high protein feed, and mix it into their normal feed. Two scoops normal feed, one scoop high protein. I feed it to the whole flock. When they're mostly feathered in, I decrease the protein, but continue the cat food as an occasional treat. The reason for the cat food is that it's animal based protein, while most feeds are vegetable based protein. They actually do need a little animal protein, and the cat food is an affordable way to supply that need.

That's what I did when my favorite hen molted right when the temps went to single digits. She loved the dry cat food, which is pretty high in protein (38%). With that, 20% all flock and scrambled egg, she came through nicely.