When to change feed types

[GC-Raptor]

I have been on the web searching for ALL flock feed and come up with very little. Even tractor supply doesn't seem to have it. Any suggestions?

The All Flock feed at my local TSC is called Purina Flock Raiser.
I am currently feeding a Non-Medicated 18% Start and Grow feed, because I can get a 25# bag.
I only have 3 hens and a larger bag goes bad before its used up.
I offer Oyster Shells in a separate container, and the egg shells are strong.
So if I had a Rooster I would not have to worry if layers feed was harmful to him or not.
So look for a 18 or 20% Protein Non-Medicated Start & Grow, Starter Grower or Flock Raiser and offer Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC

 

[cmom]

I noticed we have quite a few fairly new members on BYC.

 

[kwhites634]

I don't expect many to agree with my feed choices, and that's fine, but I don't switch feed. I feed a 20% pelleted Flock Balancer from Southern States co-op from day 1, for everyone, roosters included if I have them. For the first week or so I run a bunch through the blender to pulverize it for the newborn chicks. By that time, they can handle the pellets. That's for incubator chicks in the brooder. If a hen hatches them, I let her do her job. She'll take the pellets, break them up, & drop them on the ground in front of her chicks. I keep a chick feeder hanging in the run that they can reach, but so can everyone else. For calcium, they get empty egg shells...just the way they were after breakfast. I historically have healthy birds, laying rates, & very few soft shells.

 

[kwhites634]

I have been on the web searching for ALL flock feed and come up with very little. Even tractor supply doesn't seem to have it. Any suggestions?

Go to Southern States Co-op for their 20% Flock Balancer.
I know KY has Southern States; a cousin and an uncle both drove for them in the Paducah area.

 

[cmom]

You know, in my opinion people put too much emphasis on feed. I'm sure layer feed will be fine for your cockerel, and since you only have 1 and the rest hens, it would make sense to just go ahead with the layer feed (and save money on having to buy oyster shells on the side)...... and besides, it seems like there are no flock feed where you're at anyway, so.

I don't expect many to agree with my feed choices, and that's fine, but I don't switch feed. I feed a 20% pelleted Flock Balancer from Southern States co-op from day 1, for everyone, roosters included if I have them. For the first week or so I run a bunch through the blender to pulverize it for the newborn chicks. By that time, they can handle the pellets. That's for incubator chicks in the brooder. If a hen hatches them, I let her do her job. She'll take the pellets, break them up, & drop them on the ground in front of her chicks. I keep a chick feeder hanging in the run that they can reach, but so can everyone else. For calcium, they get empty egg shells...just the way they were after breakfast. I historically have healthy birds, laying rates, & very few soft shells.

Different people feed their birds in different ways and it's what works best for the individual and their flock. Also, there are many factors such as the size of the flocks. Both my males and females get the same feed. Me personally I usually maintain flocks all total of around 200 birds and usually hatch out 200 to 300 chicks every year. I pick out the best as my future breeders so I don't sell chicks but grow them out. My birds get FRM Show Gold medicated chick starter 26% for the first couple of months then I switch them over to FRM Show Gold Grower pellets which is 21% protein. When they molt and not laying well I give them either FRM Show Gold Grower pellets or FRM Game Bird Breeder pellets which is 20% protein. The rest of the time I feed them FRM Layer pellets which is 16% protein. This works for me I usually go through 300 to 400 pounds of feed a week. I do sell grown birds once in awhile, eggs and show birds at poultry shows. This works for me but probably not someone else. I think it's more of a hobby with most folks, it is for me. It is something I love to do in my old age.