Suggestions for feed...

[katiec11]

Hi guys...

I have a mixed age flock 10wks to 40wks

Should I be offering more of the grower crumble or the layer crumble?? Does it make a difference?

I have a little pekin who has started to get a little shaky on her feet is this because she is maybe not getting the nutrients she needs? If you know another reason this is happening it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Huge difference. 4% calcium (layer) vs. 1% calcium in all other feeds.
Never feed layer to birds under 18 weeks or until they lay eggs. For that matter, roosters shouldn't have layer feed either or any other birds not building egg shells.
Grower is preferable but a large particle calcium source like crushed oyster shell needs to be provided in a separate container for the birds laying eggs. They'll choose to eat it if they need it.

As for the duck, the problem may be a shortage of niacin. They need more than chickens so you can feed it grower feed and add some brewer's yeast to its feed at about 5%.
They need a lot of fresh greens too so you can put some lettuce or Swiss chard in their swim water to keep it from wilting if they don't have good green forage this time of year.

 

[katiec11]

Thank you for this... I do have crushed shell available- so the laying girls will be fine on the grower crumble as long as I have shells available?
My girls get lots of fresh food as well as free ranging during the day.
Sorry I should have said she's a pekin bantam-being a chicken do you think it could still be niacin?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Ok, I pictured a pekin duck. Probably not niacin then. Free ranging is good, especially in the growing season but be careful adding too many things that will displace the feed which is nutritionally balanced for the chickens needs.
You'd be surprised at how providing 30 to 50% or more of things not feed can drastically change the overall intake of protein and some minerals.

Lets say the feed is 18% protein, which is appropriate for growing birds and half of their diet is treats like fruits, veggies and scratch grains. Then their protein intake could be as low as 10%.

 

[barneveldrerman]

I would feed an 18% grower feed with oyster shells on the side. I would do this until they start to lay eggs.

Hope this helped!

 

[katiec11]

Thanks!!!