What/ how do I feed my chickens now?

[Celeste Cannon]

Now that one of my hens has started laying, i'm guessing I should switch my grower feed for layer feed. I have a rooster in my flock, is it safe for him to eat the laying feed too? I read somewhere that I should mix in the laying feed with other feed, is this true? If it is true, what other feed should I use?Can I use the grower feed the chickens have right now to mix with the laying feed? I always have crushed oyster shells out for my girls in a separate little bowl, should I mix it in with the food instead?

This is the layer feed I want to use:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186LDJM0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1CO0LZ0FL8O6H&psc=1
And this is the grower feed the chickens are eating right now:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068SP2SS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1EPP492F20LVI&psc=1

 

[lilmillefleur]

Instead of layer feed, do an all flock or flock raiser feed with oyster shells on the side for the laying hens to pick free choice. Roosters don’t do particularly well on layer feed.

 

[sourland]

Mix the remaining grower with all flock or layer feed. Gradually switch them over. If your birds are free range, layer will not be a problem with your rooster.

 

[Celeste Cannon]

Is this a good one? https://smile.amazon.com/Purina-Ani...pID=51eUnLkBnXL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I also have younger birds coming in soon, what should I do about that? They are 7 weeks old. They are living next to the big chickens right now so they can learn to love each other, but what should I feed them when they are living with the big chickens?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I also have younger birds coming in soon, what should I do about that? They are 7 weeks old.

For chicks under 10 weeks old, I would buy the crumbles instead of the pellets.
If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, you could save around $30. My local TSC is $18.19 for Flock Raiser Crumbles.
I am currently feeding my 2 year old hens a 18% Non-Medicated Start & Grow, with Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is this a good one? https://smile.amazon.com/Purina-Ani...pID=51eUnLkBnXL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I also have younger birds coming in soon, what should I do about that? They are 7 weeks old. They are living next to the big chickens right now so they can learn to love each other, but what should I feed them when they are living with the big chickens?

So actually I like that feed A LOT (for what is commercially available at most locations nationwide) for all the birds with the oyster shell on the side for layers...

The company quit making pellets as far as I can tell so that bag will be old.

The crumbles which they still make and would be the right size for your younger birds go for $21 at my local feed store, or $17 for that same side bag as you pictured at another location I drive passed anyways.

 

[leighks]

I have a mixed flock, hens and a roo. I do starter/ grower for all, regardless of age, with oyster shells on side for hens. I also read some mixed opinions on roosters eating layer feed and it possibly affecting their health negatively. To be on the safe side I’m sticking with starter/ grower. Would do an all flock but the TSC near me doesn’t carry it.

 

[snow5164]

Layer for all , I know they are supposed to eat oyster shell as needed but my eggs are perfect and consistent with the layer . Not with grower I had thin shells

 

[Folly's place]

I feed Flock raiser, with oyster shell in a separate container, to everyone. It's fresh at my local TSC's. Costs $15.99 at the Milford, Michigan store, and $17.19 at the Williamston store. And I can bring it home myself, and always check the mill date on each bag.
My birds have done very well on this feed, much better than when they ate layer.
Mary

 

[Kiki]

Feel free to use my 'sheet' to compare feeds:
It can be found in post one here:
POULTRY FEED COMPARISION CHART (Feed brand NAMES needed)