starter vs. grower - for older hens

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

We have a mixed flock with some laying hens, some older, non-laying hens, and a rooster. We also have one hen who has recently started having digestive issues and is no longer able to digest whole grains. We have been feeding Scratch & Peck Grower, which is a whole grain feed with supplements added in powder or crumble form, and providing calcium (crushed oyster shells and eggshells) separately so that those hens who need it can help themselves. However, because this one hen can no longer do a whole grain feed, we are thinking of switching the entire flock to either pellets or crumble. Also, we prefer to feed organic. Problem is, the only kind of organic, non-whole grain feed that our local store carries is chick starter, not grower. Will starter, supplemented with calcium on the side, provide the right nutrients for adult birds?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Link to the product you're considering, or a photo of the nutrition tag?

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

I spoke with the folks at the feed store on the phone so didn't see the package myself but they told me the brand is Nutrena. So I'm guessing this is what they carry: https://www.nutrenaworld.com/product/nature-smart-chick-starter-grower-feed

 

[rosemarythyme]

That should be fine to feed. Your flock will probably enjoy the extra protein.

 

[ShannonsChimkens]

TSC here in Washington carries Nature’s Best organic starter/grower. Bright orange bag, runs about $30. I use this for everyone, as I have half that aren’t laying. Then calcium supps and grit on the side. So far so good!

What form does the Scratch & Peck Starter come in? Curious if it’s crumbles, as I may switch.

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

Thanks for the recommendation! We are about 150 miles and at least one mountain pass from the nearest Tractor Supply so we pretty much have to go with what our local feed store carries.

I haven't bought Scratch & Peck Starter in a while as it's been nearly 3 years since I had baby chicks but according to their site it is cracked grains + supplements, so not really crumble per se: https://www.scratchandpeck.com/shop/naturally-free-starter/. Currently I feed Scratch & Peck Grower, which is whole grains + supplements.

 

[ShannonsChimkens]

Well darn! That would be quite the journey for a bag or two of feed lol

Scratch & Peck is a good brand either way.

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

Yeah, we'd stick with Scratch & Peck for sure if it wasn't for this one chicken who is apparently no longer able to digest it. It started rotting in her crop and she nearly died. Luckily we have access to a vet who is willing to treat and even operate on chickens. The vet opened up our girl's crop and it was full of smelly, undigested grain. She is doing really well on pellets (knock on wood) so we're planning to switch the entire flock to pellets in order to be able to reintegrate her back in with them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

OP: Unfortunate that you're having issues with that one bird - I also still feed my girls Scratch & Peck Grower.

Other organic brands in Pac NW that your store may have access to: Modesto Milling (they have a grower pellet, which my girls hated lol) and Payback (hatch-to-hen crumble, which is their version of an all flock).

What form does the Scratch & Peck Starter come in? Curious if it’s crumbles, as I may switch.

It's always a grain mix. For their starter, it's ground down very slightly, but still a little on the large size for my liking for very young chicks. I have no issue feeding it fermented once the chicks get a little older, like 3 weeks +.

 

[centrarchid]

Yeah, we'd stick with Scratch & Peck for sure if it wasn't for this one chicken who is apparently no longer able to digest it. It started rotting in her crop and she nearly died. Luckily we have access to a vet who is willing to treat and even operate on chickens. The vet opened up our girl's crop and it was full of smelly, undigested grain. She is doing really well on pellets (knock on wood) so we're planning to switch the entire flock to pellets in order to be able to reintegrate her back in with them.

What is causing the inability to process intact grains? Does she have access to grit?