What food??

[The Phantom]

I have a flock of 20 hens, only two to 3 are laying. They are young and just started. The rest are not laying done for the winter. In the winter I don’t feed them layer but I still give oyster shell and a few other things. The main food in the winter is just meat maker. Should I keep doing that?

 

[junebuggena]

Any feed with a protein content between 16% to 20%, and a maximum calcium content of 2% will be just fine. There are lots of people who don't ever bother with layer feed at all. It's not needed.

 

[The Phantom]

Ok Thankyou!!

 

[Trishkabob]

Junebuggena-why is layer feed not needed? I also have some adults not laying because of low light and 4 who are about 16 weeks and may not start laying until Feb/March so everyone is getting starter feed for now with calcium available to the big girls. I don't know how much they eat the calcium-usually just scattered around the bowl. Do you think no calcium is needed on the side even if we're using starter feed? If so, why is there so much attention to calcium? (more to sell?)

 

[junebuggena]

Junebuggena-why is layer feed not needed? I also have some adults not laying because of low light and 4 who are about 16 weeks and may not start laying until Feb/March so everyone is getting starter feed for now with calcium available to the big girls. I don't know how much they eat the calcium-usually just scattered around the bowl. Do you think no calcium is needed on the side even if we're using starter feed? If so, why is there so much attention to calcium? (more to sell?)

There is no magic ingredient in layer feed. It's just less protein and a whole lot more calcium. Many people find that keeping their flock on a higher protein diet gives them more wiggle room when it comes to treats, reduces the likelihood of behavior issues like feather pick or egg eating, and helps boost the laying rate. The high levels of calcium in layer feed can cause kidney damage in birds that aren't using up that calcium and can eventually be fatal. It is much safer to allow your flock to regulate their own calcium needs with crushed oyster shell available separately.

 

[disneyguy]

There is no magic ingredient in layer feed. It's just less protein and a whole lot more calcium. Many people find that keeping their flock on a higher protein diet gives them more wiggle room when it comes to treats, reduces the likelihood of behavior issues like feather pick or egg eating, and helps boost the laying rate. The high levels of calcium in layer feed can cause kidney damage in birds that aren't using up that calcium and can eventually be fatal. It is much safer to allow your flock to regulate their own calcium needs with crushed oyster shell available separately.

Awesome advice, thanks!

 

[The Phantom]

Thankyou