Too early for Layer feed?

[TXmom]

I've heard of feed called Flock Raiser....it's used for mixed flocks like that. I don't know too many details about it, but I bet it doesn't have as much calcium so it's not a problem for the little ones. Then, just put out oyster shell that the layers will eat for their calcium supply.

 

[pkeeler]

I wouldn't get too hung up on all this. You can feed chick starter all the way through. Just mix it 50-50 with oats. But starter does not come in pellets (usually), which means waste and extra expense. Many times the feed store will only have chick starter and layer pellets. For a small mixed flock between 3-6 months, you can go either way, starter mix with oats or layer feed. I don't believe the concerns about calcium really apply to birds of this age (you could mix it with oats and cut down on the calcium). I don't believe added calcium will make them develop more or less quickly.

Excess protein can be a problem. So, if you can't mix with oats, for birds of that age, I think you are better off with a 14-16% layer than a 18-22% starter.

But many feed stores will have something else. Like I said, it might be labeled for turkeys. Check the tags. If the protein is 14-16%, and the calcium is <3%, it would be perfect for this age group. You could feed that for the rest of their little chicken lives if you set out oyster shell along with it.

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

Thank you all! I do feel more informed!

This is such a great sight!

 

[NYREDS]

Must be a lot of birds are maturing now-there are several threads asking basically the same thing. Here's how I replied elsewhere.


I solved the "what to feed" problem several years ago after visiting one of the best Black Rosecomb breeders in the country. All of his birds were in beautiful condition & I asked him what he fed.
He told me he only used one feed, a high protein game bird grower. Said he fed that to chicks & adult birds alike.
I switched to this method & it has worked out very well. The birds grow well, feather quickly & stay in good condition longer. Feather quality is improved & they lay & hatch well on this feed.
I am using a 22% protein Blue Seal product called Chick n Game Bird Starter Grower. I suspect other manufacturers make similar products.
A bonus is that when I'm away at a show for the weekend I don't have to give my wife a list of who gets fed what-there's only one feed. Really simplifies things. Don't have to decide when to switch feed. Don't have to decide if I should buy another bag of Starter of switch to Grower-no decisions to make.
Works real well for me.