Too early for Layer feed?

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.
 
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.
 
Thank you all! I do feel more informed!
thumbsup.gif
This is such a great sight!
 
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.
 

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