Which feed?

[Louisiana Chicken Lady]

I need to know the best feed to feed my laying hens.

 

[Welshies]

You should be feeding an 18 or 20% protein level. Maintenance feed or all-flock feed is your best bet. Because laying feed is harmful to non-laying birds (think roosters and any hens taking a break) most folks avoid it. Provide oystershell free-choice on the side, and they'll have all the calcium they need.

 

[Alaskan]

I need to know the best feed to feed my laying hens.

Well... it depends.


Do you have a selection at your local store?

I can choose from 16% and 20% layer, pullet grower (if your chickens are young, and not yet laying), and a Flock Raiser which I think is 17%.

I find that the lower protein feeds are fine in the summer.

However, I find that in the cold winter months they do better with a higher protein feed.

If you only have females, then a layer feed is probably your best bet. It will have calcium in it, but you will still want to offer oyster shell on the side in a free feed dish.

 

[Alaskan]

oh... your other choice will be (or might be) pellets or crumble.

The same nutrition is in each form... however some feeders work better or more efficiently with pellets or crumble... but it usually doesn't matter.

 

[Leigti]

I feed grower feed to all my chickens with oyster shell on the side .

 

[blackdog043]

I feed starter/grower 20% protein, with oyster shell in a separate container.
You will get two different answers. Some feed layer, generally 16% protein and higher calcium content and some feed one of these, starter/grower, all flock or flock raiser, these three have 20% protein, with lower calcium, but we provide oyster shell in a separate container. If you have different age chickens, some laying and some not you should use one of the three. Chickens(pullets) that are not laying age, should not really have the extra calcium, it could cause organ damage. Also if you give treats with no protein, it reduces the protein they consume. Chickens need protein to produce eggs and replace feathers when they molt. It's most likely a 50/50 split on here as to what is used.