What am I doing wrong?

[Dan nich]

So I have 2 flocks in past year (my first year raising chickens) I have had 4 fatalities 2 from egg block which I switched the feed and those chickens have done well! The other flock which are about 4 months old I have lost 2 chickens feeding southern states all grain! Should I switch to all flock all around? I just tried to save some $ and do my birds need a layer feed added to the all flock ? Is their any supplements I have to use or a medicine I can try if a bird acts lethargic?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry you're having trouble.

Since you have 4 month olds, I would use the SS Flock Balancer 20% Booster feed. You can feed that to all ages, provide oyster shell free choice for the laying hens.

Once the 4 month olds comes into lay, then you can transition to egg layer.

I buy their Traditions Egg Layer Feed, but I also use the Flock Balancer as well. Since I have roosters, I usually do 1/4-1/2 layer mixed with Balancer, it just depends. For youngsters, broodies, etc. I give only Balancer.

All grain (5 grain scratch?) isn't a complete feed so providing a nutritionally balanced feed *should* get you back on track.

I understand, the Flock Balancer is more expensive, but I think you should be fine with the Layer feed once all your birds are laying.

For a lethargic bird - it really depends on the cause. If you can be a bit more specific with symptoms we may be able to offer suggestions.
For a "quick" pick me up when I just don't know what is wrong, I would use Poultry Cell. General direct dose is 1cc per 3 pounds of weight. If you are talking for a chick depending on age then 2-3 drops twice a day.

 

[mcdze]

dont know what your setup is or how many birds .. generally 1 bag of chick starter gets 4-6 birds feathers and ready to go in the coup then transition to just crumbles and scratch, whatevers cheapest half and half the ratio isnt critical and going straight to layers crumbles is what i usually do .. its important to note if your birds dont freerange that chickens eat alot of greens - tender grass shoots etc and need sand or dirt to digest correctly to .. later on you can go to pellets after theyre 6 months or so for less feed waste, but you might have to introduce them slowly with crumbles till they get used to them ..

 

[luvmigirls]

So I have 2 flocks in past year (my first year raising chickens) I have had 4 fatalities 2 from egg block which I switched the feed and those chickens have done well! The other flock which are about 4 months old I have lost 2 chickens feeding southern states all grain! Should I switch to all flock all around? I just tried to save some $ and do my birds need a layer feed added to the all flock ? Is their any supplements I have to use or a medicine I can try if a bird acts lethargic?

Definitely get on layer feed. The protein ratio is suited for adult birds

 

[Dan nich]

Ok so I purchased layer feed and flock raiser by Purina and mixed the 2 together ! Wish me luck! Thank you for all the replies

 

[Dan nich]

I'm sorry you're having trouble.

Since you have 4 month olds, I would use the SS Flock Balancer 20% Booster feed. You can feed that to all ages, provide oyster shell free choice for the laying hens.

Once the 4 month olds comes into lay, then you can transition to egg layer.

I buy their Traditions Egg Layer Feed, but I also use the Flock Balancer as well. Since I have roosters, I usually do 1/4-1/2 layer mixed with Balancer, it just depends. For youngsters, broodies, etc. I give only Balancer.

All grain (5 grain scratch?) isn't a complete feed so providing a nutritionally balanced feed *should* get you back on track.

I understand, the Flock Balancer is more expensive, but I think you should be fine with the Layer feed once all your birds are laying.

For a lethargic bird - it really depends on the cause. If you can be a bit more specific with symptoms we may be able to offer suggestions.
For a "quick" pick me up when I just don't know what is wrong, I would use Poultry Cell. General direct dose is 1cc per 3 pounds of weight. If you are talking for a chick depending on age then 2-3 drops twice a day.

Where can I get poultry cell?

 

[Folly's place]

I don't know what 'all grain' diet you were feeding, but definitely it's better to use an all flock feed, with separate oyster shell, and NOT mix a scratch grain mix into it! The scratch grains are meant to be a treat, offered in very small amounts separately, like candy to a child.
Whole grain diets can be a problem, is at least some birds pick out the best tasting bits and don't get a balanced ration, which needs to include the vitamin/ mineral mix.
Layer feed works for leghorn type actively laying birds, who eat nothing else. It's not meant for use with scratch grains, or fed to birds not actively laying eggs, or molting, or whatever.
Mary

 

[RojoMarz]

Where can I get poultry cell?

Amazon, Tractor Supply, google found lots of online sites selling it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Where can I get poultry cell?

You can get Poultry Cell at Tractor Supply or off Amazon. I usually order from Amazon since it's about the same price. Another option would be Durvet Vitamins/Electrolytes. I usually keep those on hand as well. I order those from Amazon.

 

[Dan nich]

I don't know what 'all grain' diet you were feeding, but definitely it's better to use an all flock feed, with separate oyster shell, and NOT mix a scratch grain mix into it! The scratch grains are meant to be a treat, offered in very small amounts separately, like candy to a child.
Whole grain diets can be a problem, is at least some birds pick out the best tasting bits and don't get a balanced ration, which needs to include the vitamin/ mineral mix.
Layer feed works for leghorn type actively laying birds, who eat nothing else. It's not meant for use with scratch grains, or fed to birds not actively laying eggs, or molting, or whatever.
Mary

Ok so all my birds minus rooster lay eggs! I have started 2.5 cups all flock with 1.5 cups later feed added grit and oyster shell , is this ok!? And I also give worms 2x a week and sometimes broccoli as a treat I always splash apple cider vinegar into the water, I don’t feed scratch at all
Thank you