Totally confused. I am hearing two different sides. Which one is right? Layer feed or flock feed? The flock feed is designed for all different types o

[RoyalChick]

There are higher protein layer feeds. Usually advertised as helping fix feathers or for molting.
I feed a 20% layer feed all the time.
The one I use is Kalmbach Full Plume Feathering. The same brand also does a regular layer feed with 16% protein.
I think 16% protein is the minimum requirement for laying hens in a commercial environment. I can afford to give them a bit extra in the form of higher protein so I use the 20% version.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Well, if you only have chickens I just have a small group of four. I don't need to feed anybody else or any other ages so isn't it fine just to stick with layer feed since it meets a hen's needs who is laying? Still don't understand why flock unless you have different ages or different birds

I also have only 4 birds. I started by feeding Layer, then had a hen stop laying permanently at 15 months. Then had all of them molt/stop laying. Now I’ve added 2 pullets. Frankly I got tired of adjusting the feed seasonally and all chickens can eat All Flock so I switched

 

[Debbie292d]

Well, if you only have chickens I just have a small group of four. I don't need to feed anybody else or any other ages so isn't it fine just to stick with layer feed since it meets a hen's needs who is laying? Still don't understand why flock unless you have different ages or different birds

There is not a thing wrong with feeding your hens a layer feed. It's just preferred by most of us to go with a higher protein as it's better for them and their feather growth too. But you can boost your layer yourself, especially if you're giving them protein occasionally with scrambled eggs, mealworms, vitamins in their water now and then, etc. If you didn't, they'll still be fine.

 

[Zyla]

There are higher protein layer feeds. Usually advertised as helping fix feathers or for molting.
I feed a 20% layer feed all the time.
The one I use is Kalmbach Full Plume Feathering. The same brand also does a regular layer feed with 16% protein.
I think 16% protein is the minimum requirement for laying hens in a commercial environment. I can afford to give them a bit extra in the form of higher protein so I use the 20% version.

Thank you. Since I only have a small flock that is what I would feel more comfortable with. And then do you switch to the flock feed when they are not laying or molting?

 

[RoyalChick]

Thank you. Since I only have a small flock that is what I would feel more comfortable with. And then do you switch to the flock feed when they are not laying or molting?

I am not overly obsessive about it. If I have little chicks I feed everyone chick or grower feed which is similar to the All Flock and then have oyster shell available if the older ladies feel they need it.

 

[PopoMyers]

Thank you. Since I only have a small flock that is what I would feel more comfortable with. And then do you switch to the flock feed when they are not laying or molting?

Yes. It can be troublesome when not all the hens molt at the same time. I find it easier to use a mixed flock/ all flock feed and offer oyster shell on the side. Also works well when there are roos. Too much calcium when not needed for laying can cause health issues.

 

[Debbie292d]

Too much calcium when not needed for laying can cause health issues.

I can vouch for that! I had 6 hen-hatched chicks in a breeding pen of whom three must've partook in the oyster shell dish I had in there for the hens. I wasn't even thinking! Those three died, one naturally and we had to cull the other two. Three of the six must've not touched it or as much as they are fine.

What happens is the excessive amount of calcium damages their kidneys. The nerves for their legs run through the kidneys. These chicks couldn't walk. This didn't start until they were a few weeks old, then one by one I'd see one dragging a leg or just laying there. We tried B-Complex, therapy, chick chairs, etc. for two weeks but no improvement. One had a seizure and died. The other two had jerking legs. When doing therapy, we'd stand them up, and one leg or the other would just jerk outward. We just couldn't watch them suffering any longer and culled them. The other three are fine albeit my first cross-beak and that one got that the same time the others had the leg issues, so not sure if it's coincidence or related.