Whats in my coop?

[Folly's place]

Layena plus corn makes for a pretty low protein diet, and less calcium than needed too. How about Flock Raiser, oyster shell separately, and then extra goodies?
Mary

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x Folly's place ... I stopped feeding layer a couple years ago & don't regret it at all. Feed Flock Raiser (fermented) with Oyster Shells in a separate dish & grit in another. Have yet to have any issues with shells, friends have commented how strong the shells are.

I also stopped feeding so much treats too, thinking veggies & fruits were "healthy" & feeling guilty cause my girls (4BO) are confined to their Chicken House (8x12x7) due to neighbors dogs seeming to interested at the fence line. Their weight was low, learned from BYC members too much treats no matter how "healthy" can/will diminish the nutrition they need/get from their feed. So I stopped treats, giving them an 1/8 cup of dry feed & MW at close up to scratch. They got up to weight and everyone's happy.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I would also stop feeding them cracked corn. There is no nutritional value and it will take away the needed intake of their protein rich feed.

 

[Folly's place]

Corn is a lovely food, but is actually low in protein, and not at all a complete feed. When added to a very carefully formulated layer feed, it just messes up the nutritional balance of that feed.
Layer feeds work beautifully for the leghorn type birds in cages who eat nothing else, but isn't so good for larger birds who also get other things to eat. Not to mention growing chicks, males, and hens not currently laying eggs.
Mary

 

[LisPrissy]

Layena plus corn makes for a pretty low protein diet, and less calcium than needed too. How about Flock Raiser, oyster shell separately, and then extra goodies?
Mary

Thank you!! I am going to TSC today to “re-up” on supplies and will definitely get some flock raiser. Anything to keep our girls healthy. They have provided us with more eggs over the years than we thought possible (our neighbors are thankful ) and much enjoyment as they are very social with us.

 

[LisPrissy]

2x Folly's place ... I stopped feeding layer a couple years ago & don't regret it at all. Feed Flock Raiser (fermented) with Oyster Shells in a separate dish & grit in another. Have yet to have any issues with shells, friends have commented how strong the shells are.

I also stopped feeding so much treats too, thinking veggies & fruits were "healthy" & feeling guilty cause my girls (4BO) are confined to their Chicken House (8x12x7) due to neighbors dogs seeming to interested at the fence line. Their weight was low, learned from BYC members too much treats no matter how "healthy" can/will diminish the nutrition they need/get from their feed. So I stopped treats, giving them an 1/8 cup of dry feed & MW at close up to scratch. They got up to weight and everyone's happy.

Thank you!! I’m going to try the raiser. I appreciate everyone’s input

 

[staceyj]

Just chiming in, I use flock raiser as well. My birds seem healthier and happier on it.

 

[LisPrissy]

Just chiming in, I use flock raiser as well. My birds seem healthier and happier on it.

Thanks what brand do you feed?

 

[Folly's place]

I use Purina Flock Raiser, which is fresh at my local stores. Always check the mill date on each bag, and buy what you can use up within six or eight weeks of milling.
You may find something else that's a better choice where you shop, so spend some time checking out your options.
Mary

 

[townchicks]

Just wondering, is it really hot where you are right now? That slows down my girls' egg production. Did you sprinkle the baby powder? Flour or cornstarch is cheaper and may be better for the hens. What kind of fencing do you have on your coop? Are the holes big enough for rats or snakes to get in? I'm inclined, like you to think egg production would slow, but not stop completely.