Switching to all flock?? Layer???

[mowin]

I've got about 4lbs left of starter left. Gals are 18 weeks. Don't want to get another 25-50 lbs of starter, as I want to switch to layer.

So, can I mix what's left of starter with all flock and when that's gone switch to layer? Assuming they are laying at that point.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Get a bag of oyster shell and offer that on the side. Keep feeding the Starter until it runs out. If any need the extra calcium they should eat enough of the oyster shell to take care of it. The rest should not eat enough to harm themselves. The main difference in Layer from other feeds is the percent calcium for the egg shells. Percent protein can vary but different people use different proteins anyway. The other nutrients are essentially the same.

Or you can mix the Starter with the All-Flock and offer oyster shell on the side. Neither Starter or All-Flock should have enough calcium for egg shells but oyster shell on the side would work.

Many of us never switch to Layer, though a bag of Layer is probably less expensive. Instead we feed Starter, Grower, All-Flock, or something similar with oyster shell or some other calcium supplement on the side.

You have lots of options.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Instead of using Purina Flock Raiser I use Dumor Chick Starter/Grower because it's the same % protein for about $1.50-$2.00 less. Crushed oyster and egg shells on the side.

 

[mowin]

So I can feed starter even after they lay as long as I offer OS?

 

[Ridgerunner]

So I can feed starter even after they lay as long as I offer OS?

Yes

 

[blackdog043]

So I can feed starter even after they lay as long as I offer OS?

Like Ridgerunner said, yes you can.
The common misconception when people start raising chickens is, they must have layer feed, to lay eggs. There's nothing wrong with feeding them layer at this point, but if you plan on having a mixed age flock, it makes it easier not to feed layer, because the whole flock can eat the same feed.

I feed 20% non medicated starter grower, with OS in a separate container. The mill I buy from doesn't make an All Flock. I have chicks, layers and non layers together in my coop at any given time. I currently have 2 cockerels also. One feed for the flock works great for me.

 

[Folly's place]

x3!

 

[Cryss]

So I can feed starter even after they lay as long as I offer OS?

Like Ridgerunner said, yes you can.
The common misconception when people start raising chickens is, they must have layer feed, to lay eggs. There's nothing wrong with feeding them layer at this point, but if you plan on having a mixed age flock, it makes it easier not to feed layer, because the whole flock can eat the same feed.

I feed 20% non medicated starter grower, with OS in a separate container. The mill I buy from doesn't make an All Flock. I have chicks, layers and non layers together in my coop at any given time. I currently have 2 cockerels also. One feed for the flock works great for me.

X4! Layer is something used by large corporate egg farms. They raise birds separated by age so they don't have to add calcium to such huge groups. Either continue with starter grower or if you like switch to a flock raiser for 20% protein. Just remember to constantly have oyster shell available in a separate dish or container. I have 2 small dispensers that hang on the run fence. One filled with oyster shell, the other with grit. Don't mix them into feed. That defeats the purpose.