Thank you! As you probably know, I'm a newbie and I really do appreciate all the great ideas, advice, and input here on these forums.
There's probably several thousand years of chicken-raising experience on BYC---I too am addicted to checking in several times a day! Learning so much from people who have so much knowledge to offer.
A question: Looking at the back of my feed bag I see that they advise chick starter until 20 weeks and then going to layer feed. I will need a new bag of feed soon---what are your thoughts about going to the layer feed? Okay for all the girls, even if no one has started laying? They will be 20 weeks by the time I need a new bag. Do you think I should get one more small bag of starter and mix it with the layer to introduce it gradually?
TIA for any help here!
Nancy, ask 4 different folks on BYC, and you will get at least 5 different answers! I can tell you what I do: I keep my entire flock on unmedicated starter when I have youngsters. Any time after the pullets loose their peep (meaning they are starting to enter puberty, their voice is changing) I switch the entire flock over to layer. The only reason I use layer at all is b/c it is easier on my wallet. While I do recycle my used egg shells from my own flock, and offer OS as a supplement, I do not have to provide OS all the time, as I would if they were on the more expensive MF or starter feed full time. My justification for this approach:
1. I have within the last year or so changed my thought process regarding the benefit of higher protein feed (MF or starter can be 18 - 22%, compared to layer at 16%). I ferment my feed anyways, and the microbial action actually increases the Methionine and Lysine, increasing the total protein content, and making it a more balanced protein (closer to the quality of animal protein) I do not often give scratch grains, so am not diluting the 16% of their FF.
2. "They say" that young or not laying birds are more at risk of gout and renal failure if kept on the high Ca++ content of a layer feed. True, that. However many folks will tell you that they keep their whole adult flock on layer feed year round, and their birds live to a ripe old age. This includes birds in molt, as well as roosters, and broody hens. In most flocks, the rooster is the healthiest bird in the flock, never succumbs to disease, and he lives to a ripe old age with good renal function and healthy joints. IMO, most roos succumb to un-natural causes. (predation or axe.) When a hen takes a break from laying, she will actually benefit from the extra Ca++ provided by the layer ration, as she needs to build her reserves for that next laying cycle. My friend Beekissed allows her youngsters to belly up to the layer feed (FF) trough any time after the age of 2 weeks. Her flock also free ranges, and does not display any of the ailments that should be caused by ingesting layer, especially at such a young age. She has a medical background, and every bird that she processes gets a thorough inspection both inside and out. Never notes any abnormalities in the kidneys.
3. Consider free range birds, whether they are on Layer or MF or Starter. The calcium content of their forage is quite high. Especially if it is a mixed bag containing many weeds. (dandelion and clover being only 2 examples) Free range birds maintain excellent health and vigor through their entire lives.
4. Layer is simply cheaper. I pay $9.99 for bare bones Back Yards Basics layer at Blue Seal. Mill date is always recent, and the Basics formulation is identical to their pricier store brand which is $2 more per bag. (You pay more for the advertising hype, and the prettier bag)
Nancy, by now, you've noticed that I did not answer your ? ! If you read a few articles pertaining to cause of gout in birds, and cause of renal failure in birds, THEN you will be in position to make your own informed choice. After doing your homework, you will be in position to state what you do, and WHY you do it, instead of being at the mercy of every differing opinion you run across.
