What should I feed my flock?

[Matilda Belle]

I have laying pullets and cockerels and some babies coming and I don’t want to buy them all separate food. Is there one type of feed for everyone? Right now I have everyone on layer feed even the roosters. But with babies coming is there something that everyone can eat.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Allflock. Meat bird crumbles. Chick starter. Any of those will work (assuming the meatbird crumble is over 16%, preferably 18-20%.)

EDT: Make sure to calcium on the side for your hens, of course.

 

[Melky]

Flock Raiser from purina is 20% protein and for all ages. If organic probably need to switch to organic starter grower 20% protein. I would also use medicated feed first 8 weeks to prevent coccidiosis. Also keep OS and chick grit on the side free choice.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any sort of chicken feed that's lower in calcium (approx 1.9% or below) should be fine: all flock, starter/grower, "hatch to hen," etc. You'll probably find the adults will enjoy these feeds more as they tend to have higher protein.

 

[Matilda Belle]

Can adult birds have starter?

Can chicks have all flock and meatbird?

 

[Melky]

No to meatbird feed-too high a protein typically, rest a yes. You do not want a protein greater than 20% typical of meatbird feed as this can lead to fatty liver disease and leg problems due to too much weight gain too soon.

 

[Folly's place]

Pick an all-flock or chick feed that's in the 18% to 20% protein range, always fresh by mill date at your local feed stores. Have oyster shell available in a separate feeder for your laying hens, always.
Where I live, it's been Purina Flock Raiser, 20% protein, nicely balanced for everyone, and available within four or five weeks of mill date always.
Your choice may be different, and if you want organic only, you will have a more restricted list of choices too.
Mary

 

[sylviethecochin]

No to meatbird feed-too high a protein typically, rest a yes.

My TSC sells 14% meatbird crumbles. My Rural King sells 16% and 20% meatbird crumbles. Those last two are exactly what I'd want. And both of the Rural King options are cheaper than the Rural King allflock by nearly a dollar/50 pounds.

 

[Timothy Menezes]

My TSC sells 14% meatbird crumbles. My Rural King sells 16% and 20% meatbird crumbles. Those last two are exactly what I'd want. And both of the Rural King options are cheaper than the Rural King allflock by nearly a dollar/50 pounds.

You can buy Meatbird that's only 14%??? Wow, never seen it that low. Around here it typically 20% to 24%. I do know that Meatbird or Broiler feed is better for ducklings as it has higher levels of Niacin that support proper bone/skeletal development.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I feed my entire flock Flock Raiser. I offer oyster shell in a separate container for my layers to eat as needed.