Which feed?...confused

[NancyA]

I thought I had it figured out after doing a lot of reading but when I asked for grower feed at the feed store for the ready to lays that I was picking up, the guy tells me oh no u can't give that to them cause it's 2% less protein and they won't lay well. I explained it was cause I'd be integrating younger pullets and I'd have oyster shell on the side.. Is it ok for my layers to have grower till younger ones start laying?

 

[junebuggena]

Depends. Check the labels. Some grower feeds are formulated for meaties, and have a very low protein content intended to slow and control the growth rate. Layers need at least 15% protein content and pullets that are still developing need at least 18% protein content.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Yes that is OK. But I don't understand. Grower feed is not usually lower in protein than layer feed. Layer is usually 16% and grower is usually 18%. What is the crude protein % of the grower they carry?
Most feed store employees aren't poultry experts.

 

[NancyA]

Yes that is OK. But I don't understand. Grower feed is not usually lower in protein than layer feed. Layer is usually 16% and grower is usually 18%. What is the crude protein % of the grower they carry?
Most feed store employees aren't poultry experts.

He told me the layer is 17% protein and grower was 15%

 

[junebuggena]

He told me the layer is 17% protein and grower was 15%

Neither is really appropriate for pullets that haven't started laying yet. Stick with unmedicated starter or flock raiser. Always check labels. Birds that are still developing need at least 18% protein content and a maximum calcium content of 2%. Any feed within those parameters is fine.