Starter/grower for laying hens?

[Molliep2]

Is it okay for laying hens to eat starter/grower feed? Currently feeding the penpals starter grower from a giveaway

 

[Chickstarrs]

Grower is fine but you must provide some oyster shell for extra calcium. Just put it in a separate container that they can have full access to whenever they need it.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Yes as @Chickstarrs said.
I always use starter or grower for all my chickens, with shell on the side. Some people say not to use layer feed if you have roosters in your flock as this can cause them health issues since they do not produce eggs they do not require alot of calcium as a hen does.

 

[Chris2018]

ADM/ PenPal Start and Grow is medicated with Amprolium and Bacitracin but there is no withdraw date on eggs with these ingredients so its fine feeding it to your hen.

 

[rosemarythyme]

ADM/ PenPal Start and Grow is medicated with Amprolium and Bacitracin but there is no withdraw date on eggs with these ingredients so its fine feeding it to your hen.

I personally would not feed medicated feed to chickens long term as they don't need it, and amprolium is a thiamine inhibitor so they can become thiamine deficient over time (don't know what the other is).

 

[Chris2018]

I personally would not feed medicated feed to chickens long term as they don't need it, and amprolium is a thiamine inhibitor so they can become thiamine deficient over time (don't know what the other is).

If they are only feeding until they run out of the bag they will be fine.
Bacitracim /BMD is for the prevention and control of necrotic enteritis.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If they are only feeding until they run out of the bag they will be fine.
Bacitracim /BMD is for the prevention and control of necrotic enteritis.

Just mentioning it because some folks take "you can keep them on starter feed" to mean the same that all starter feeds are suitable as long term feed for all ages.

Thanks for the info about the bacitracim!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've been feeding a Non-medicated Starter Grower 18% to my hens and Pullets older than 10 weeks for about 3 years with a separate container of Oyster Shells.

I just opened a bag.

GC

 

[Chickstarrs]

Starter is for chicks just starting, hence the name "starter". Grower is fine for any age and can be used long term since it is not medicated. Just make sure there is oyster shell available for layers.