ladyhand
Songster
So in the hours and hours I've spent researching and asking questions, I feel like I've put together an appropriate diet, but want to know if I can improve it. I love my ladies so much and just want them to be happy and healthy. I have 4 sapphire gem pullets, approx. 15 weeks old. One will probably be laying eggs fairly soon based on her wattles and comb. One other may be a couple weeks behind her, and the others even further.
Right now they have access to feed all day. I had been giving them a grower feed (I believe it was this one, it's been a plastic bin for several weeks https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb). Based on advice on another post I started mixing in some layer feed (approximately 1/2 and 1/2), with a small amount of grit since I feel like they get some natural grit, but would rather lean towards the safe side. I also put out some oyster shell, but its so big and while I've seen them peck at it a little, I think it's too big for them to eat. I looked on Amazon and most people say the things on there aren't true flakes.
I give them random fruits or veggies during the day as treats, maybe throw out some mealworms to bribe them back to their run after ranging in my backyard for an hour, and they act like they've never been fed if I don't throw out a handful of scratch in the morning. Occasionally, I make them scrambled eggs or give them some plain pasta.
How can I improve? How do I pick a layer feed (THERE ARE SO MANY!!!)? Are certain scratch mixes better than others?
Right now they have access to feed all day. I had been giving them a grower feed (I believe it was this one, it's been a plastic bin for several weeks https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb). Based on advice on another post I started mixing in some layer feed (approximately 1/2 and 1/2), with a small amount of grit since I feel like they get some natural grit, but would rather lean towards the safe side. I also put out some oyster shell, but its so big and while I've seen them peck at it a little, I think it's too big for them to eat. I looked on Amazon and most people say the things on there aren't true flakes.
I give them random fruits or veggies during the day as treats, maybe throw out some mealworms to bribe them back to their run after ranging in my backyard for an hour, and they act like they've never been fed if I don't throw out a handful of scratch in the morning. Occasionally, I make them scrambled eggs or give them some plain pasta.
How can I improve? How do I pick a layer feed (THERE ARE SO MANY!!!)? Are certain scratch mixes better than others?