Thinking about protein...

[Uzuri]

So I'm curious... I keep hearing a lot about layer feed maybe being both too low on protein and too low on calcium (the latter being easily fixed with some oyster shell).

Has anyone tried their layers on chick/starter feed with added/free-choice oyster shell for the higher protein that's in the chick feed? Or are there other important differences in layer feed that would make that a bad idea?

 

[DiVon80]

I use a game bird food(has all stages) Mine are currently on the Gamebird layer. I use game bird to cut the soy. Animal feeds are now useing soy for the protein. I do not want soy(or as little as possible) in my eggs..the game bird is a mix of soy and animal protein. Also I let them free range and add different grains and seeds to ther diet. Remember the eggs you will be eating.. I also use flax seed.

 

[Uzuri]

I can't say that soy bothers me (gotta drink soy milk since regular milk gives me heartburn anyhow; doubt that what makes it into the egg from the feed is going to make much difference in that), but gamebird layer's a good thought. Thanks!