What EXACTLY should I be feeding?

[cluckmecoop7]

I am probably going to TSC today so I might pick up some food.... BUT - I want to know exactly what I should be feeding my six 1 year old laying hens.... (BO's and GLW's)? I don't want to get into what I am feeding right now....just what I should feed them. Here is what I want:

1. They need to lay eggs.
2. They need to be healthy.
3. I want the best diet you know of that will help them live a long long time!

Thanks in advance.
- cluckmecoop7 (aka Clucky )

 

[Mtnboomer]

I fed my hens Purina Layer Pellets with a side of oyster shells. They've done quite well.
I now mix the layer pellets with Naturewise Meat Bird crumble (meat bird pellets not available here) 50/50 because I'm testing to see it will boost meat production in my Brahmas.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they aren't currently laying, look for a grower or all flock feed in the neighborhood of 18% protein so if they aren't laying, the higher protein should kick start ovulation this time of year. If you feed a lot of treats, shoot for 20% crude protein.
If they are all laying, you can feed any layer feed. The better feeds may have higher fat soluble vitamin content. That is a bit healthier. If thee guaranteed analysis tag lists levels of vitamins A, D or E, that is an indication those levels are higher since those aren't required to be on the analysis.
Additionally, buy the freshest feed you can find. The mill date is either on the guaranteed analysis tag or on the seal strip on the end of the bag. Some companies may use the Julian date.

 

[featherhead007]

What I fed my hens this morning... Spagetti noodles. Salt free canned corn, and some leftover
ham from yesterday. But it's Saturday. Training day.
But normally it's Purina layer feed.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

1. They need to lay eggs.
2. They need to be healthy.
3. I want the best diet you know of that will help them live a long long time!

Those are all dual purpose heavier bodied ladies... my preference... is a grower, or flock raiser with 18-20% protein and oyster shell available free choice on the side. Going this route... no need to switch during molt or if any go broody or as they age.

16% protein in layer really is the minimum needed to sustain a light bodied layer like leghorn in good condition. Please note energy/calories come fro only 3 sources... protein, carbs including fiber, and fat.

Usually the grower/flock raiser type feed are higher in amino acid content which is beneficial.

I never ever switch to layer feed since learning the difference... and my birds now enter molt less harshly and recover quicker.

I fed my hens Purina Layer Pellets with a side of oyster shells. They've done quite well.
I now mix the layer pellets with Naturewise Meat Bird crumble (meat bird pellets not available here) 50/50 because I'm testing to see it will boost meat production in my Brahmas.

It might... just because the oyster shell won't be filling them up and they do have a volume limitation in addition to eating to meet their energy need... but honestly I doubt it... I've even fed birds 28-30% protein turkey starter... meh, not impressed.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I will check oyster shell to them 24/7 now.
Do I need grit?

I think I am just going to stick with Dumor layer pellets and oyster shell with a treat a scratch and whole corn once in a while???

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I will check oyster shell to them 24/7 now.
Do I need grit?

I think I am just going to stick with Dumor layer pellets and oyster shell with a treat a scratch and whole corn once in a while???

All birds need grit.
Dumor layer is 16% protein. Scratch and corn are between 8 and 10% protein. If you feed more than 5% of those, they will be short of the essential amino acids they need.
That will limit eggs when protein drops below 16%.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I will check oyster shell to them 24/7 now.
Do I need grit?

I think I am just going to stick with Dumor layer pellets and oyster shell with a treat a scratch and whole corn once in a while???

They don't need grit provided unless there is none available in their environment. Free range birds get it from driveways, sandboxes, and the pebbles found in the soil. Birds in a run will benefit from having it provided separately.
I give my gals 1 lb of scratch once a week thrown out in the yard by my 2 yr old (he loves that part), and table scaps each morning for treats

 

[aart]

Additionally, buy the freshest feed you can find. The mill date is either on the guaranteed analysis tag or on the seal strip on the end of the bag. Some companies may use the Julian date.

Ditto Dat!!!