Supplementing Layer Hens

[Chickerpicks]

Hi everyone!
I've been using this website for quite some time now since I got my very first flock of chicks ever this last fall. My girls have started laying approx. 2 weeks ago and I'm up to about 5 hens laying now. I feed them layer feed and cracked corn and a oats with molasses here and there, maybe even a mea lworm treat. I know that laying an egg and the whole process for them is supposed to take from them, so I guess my question is really is there any chicken supplements or vitamins that they should be taking in addition to their layer feed? Should they get anything additional to replace anything lost that I'm not already giving them? I've got all Orpington hens-- Lavender, Buff, Australorps & Blue Orpingtons!

I noticed they've been going through a lot of cracked corn more than their layer feed (maybe because of the cold weather?) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to keep my girls happy and healthy!

Thanks so much!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome to BYC!

I would offer oyster shell free choice for supplemental calcium. They will consume what they need.
Corn and oats are treats and should be offered IMO no more than 10% of their diet. So if they are consuming more corn than layer feed, you need to cut back on the corn.

 

[Pork Pie]

Welcome to BYC!

I would offer oyster shell free choice for supplemental calcium. They will consume what they need.
Corn and oats are treats and should be offered IMO no more than 10% of their diet. So if they are consuming more corn than layer feed, you need to cut back on the corn.

Ditto on that. I feed my flock layer feed and have limestone as free choice - they don't touch it so the layer feed contains sufficient calcium, but it doesn't do any harm to just have some additional calcium available.

CT