Switching feeds during molt

[LJoWilly]

I am just curious, does anyone switch to a higher protien feed when their hens are molting? I am currently feeding NCO layer feed, and I have heard of some switching to a broiler/grower while hens molt to give them extra protien...plus supplement with oyster shells for calcium.
Just curious if anyone here does that?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I do. You don't need the extra calcium if they aren't laying.

I actually like using the Nutrena Feather Fixer during molt. I find it actually does have ingredients that result in faster feather regrowth...more than just boosted protein.

LofMc

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

Jumping on here because I want the best for my feathered friends!

Just curious- Is it ok to put oyster shells in with feed or should it be separate but available?

And with the protein- I read where it helps the process. I've read tuna is good to give them or mackerel (much cheaper). I would really like to do this alternative but don't know how much is too much? The higher protein feed is easier I'm sure but where I live it's only available in crumbles and Boy do I hate crumbles...

 

[ChickNanny13]

I feed Flock Raiser (20%) fermented with Oyster Shells in a separate dish. In the past I would put pullets on layer at 18wks but when raising chicks I'd then have Chick Starter & layer. Read about Flock Raiser so now I purchase a 10# bag of Chick Starter, when chicks done with it switch them to Flock Raiser. So much easier & no waste.

 

[Folly's place]

Oyster shell should be in a separate container, never added to the feed. I feed an all-flock feed to everyone year round, so there's never a food change issue. Birds don't like change! My flock includes young, old, male, and female birds, so it's the best way to manage everyone.
Adding fresh or canned meat will add protein, but balance and cost aren't improved, IMO. I also would rather feed pellets, but it's harder for chicks to eat, and the Flock Raiser that I use only come in crumbles. Mary

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

I use start and grow for the diddles they are seperate from the bigguns. I want good balance for them. I sell eggs and hatch as of lately. But with my feed boxes I need pellets- bought crumbles and what a mess and the waste was awful! They used to come running when I would give tuna or mackerel but how much is too much :/ i appreciate the feed recommendation I may call around and see if they can order it in pellets.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2 pellets...much less waste. The only time I feed crumble is to baby chicks.

I sell eggs as well, and I personally find I get the best shell quality when my layers are on designated layer feed rather than the all flock with oyster or calcite on the side.

With the supplements, I often get lumpy shells as the calcium supplements don't always melt away as you'd think in their systems.

I get smooth hard shells with layer pellets...but that's me.

I too don't waste time, money, or effort with tuna/mackeral supplements. I find the pellet feed much easier, more balanced, and less waste.

My birds have never turned their beaks up to any pellet food, so I don't have issues with changing feed a couple times a year.

Just what I do.
LofMc

 

[Folly's place]

I'm not making feeders here and found the yellow plastic ones from Premier1supplies.com to be cheap, sturdy, and MUCH less waste spilled. Mary

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

Where do you purchase the flock raiser? I called a very nice family supply store that's local and they have about everything but didn't have much luck. They have a scratch feed but I don't know about that

 

[Folly's place]

You need to buy what's fresh and available where you live. It happens that Purina Flock Raiser is (usually!) fresh and is sold at my local TSC. I've tried a couple of local feed mills, and not been as happy with their stuff.
People here talk about their favorite feeds, and that's great, but your 'shopping experience' dictates what you can buy. Always check those mill dates! Mary