Switching off Layers Feed: What to Feed Instead?

[saving grace]

So, I want to switch my chickens off layers feed for multiple reasons, mainly I've heard a lot of people say it really isn't enough protein for backyard hens. For the time being I am feeding all my hens and pullets a growers feed, but I know that is not enough protein for laying hens and I am going to switch to a different feed very soon. The problem is our feed stores only sell starters, growers, and layers feed. Most people switch to a flock raiser, but there is none to be got around here. The starters feed is 21% protein. Would that work for my flock? I would supplement oyster shells on the side for calcium, too

Since I started feeding the growers instead of layers my hens egg production has gone way up, and their eggs are better quality. I wish I had known to stop feeding layers before!

 

[PoultryCQ]

So, I want to switch my chickens off layers feed for multiple reasons, mainly I've heard a lot of people say it really isn't enough protein for backyard hens. For the time being I am feeding all my hens and pullets a growers feed, but I know that is not enough protein for laying hens and I am going to switch to a different feed very soon. The problem is our feed stores only sell starters, growers, and layers feed. Most people switch to a flock raiser, but there is none to be got around here. The starters feed is 21% protein. Would that work for my flock? I would supplement oyster shells on the side for calcium, too

Since I started feeding the growers instead of layers my hens egg production has gone way up, and their eggs are better quality. I wish I had known to stop feeding layers before!

Thats enough protein. 20% is good enough for laying hens. I also don't have All flock in my local feed store. I always get a purina non medicated chick starter for adults and medicated for chicks. Providing oyster shells and egg shells on the side always.

 

[PoultryCQ]

Thats enough protein. 20% is good enough for laying hens. I also don't have All flock in my local feed store. I always get a purina non medicated chick starter for adults and medicated for chicks. Providing oyster shells and egg shells on the side always.

I should add that egg shells are not needed for chicks.

 

[saving grace]

Thats enough protein. 20% is good enough for laying hens. I also don't have All flock in my local feed store. I always get a purina non medicated chick starter for adults and medicated for chicks. Providing oyster shells and egg shells on the side always.

Thanks so much! Would 21% protein be too much for 16 week old chicks?

 

[PoultryCQ]

Thanks so much! Would 21% protein be too much for 16 week old chicks?

I feed 20% for my chicks, all the way to adulthood. Typically speaking chicks need more protein than adults. Personally never had issues.

 

[kerbotx]

You could also try to mix a higher protein feed with a lower protein feed, to hit the mark in the middle - for instance, a 21% plus a 16% would average out to 18.5%. Just watch your calcium levels, and keep oyster shell or similar on the side.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Since I started feeding the growers instead of layers my hens egg production has gone way up, and their eggs are better quality. I wish I had known to stop feeding layers before!

Well it sounds like the Grower feed is working.
What is the Protein %.

I feed all ages of my chickens a Starter-Grower feed 18% Protein with a separate container of Oyster Shells.

GC

 

[saving grace]

Well it sounds like the Grower feed is working.
What is the Protein %.

I feed all ages of my chickens a Starter-Grower feed 18% Protein with a separate container of Oyster Shells.View attachment 2760093
GC

The growers is 16% protein. Funny thing is, I already mixed in the leftover starters so it's a bit higher in protein.

You could also try to mix a higher protein feed with a lower protein feed, to hit the mark in the middle - for instance, a 21% plus a 16% would average out to 18.5%. Just watch your calcium levels, and keep oyster shell or similar on the side.

Alright, that sounds like a good plan. Probably will mix the two together then. Thanks!

 

[Danielpn]

I too noticed a significant improvement in egg quality when I switched from layer feed to Purina Flock Raiser (20% protein). Tractor Supply Co. tries really hard to provide excellent customer service for online orders (unsolicited endorsement here). They do need to hire a professional for logistics, however. Two bags at a time should qualify for free delivery. Three bags though would be over 100 lbs, and there would be a delivery charge.

 

[Robeenop]

You could also try to mix a higher protein feed with a lower protein feed, to hit the mark in the middle - for instance, a 21% plus a 16% would average out to 18.5%. Just watch your calcium levels, and keep oyster shell or similar on the side.

A game bird feed is good to mix. I use the layer, and a good quality scratch. Also supplement with calf manna. They love it, and it's really good for them.
No problem with eggs.