Will it be ok to fed this?

[tommboy1973]

This is my first time raising chickens, and have a mixed laying flock 12 weeks old. I have been using nutrena start & grow, but wanted to switch to Purina. I bought Flockraiser last night but after reading label realized it is for meat birds with 20% protein. Is it ok to feed to my chooks or should I return it?

 

[33yardbirds]

It's the calcium % is what your concerned about. I have read though, too much protien too fast growth rate in bones that could lead to leg problems. I go 20% starter, 15% grower/finisher, 18% Layer, some folks go with a 20% layer.

 

[Teach97]

i would feed it....in fact i have

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

They will do great on the Flock Raiser. Just remember to provide oyster shell to the girls that are laying age.

 

[NevadaRon]

I've been using Flock Raiser almost from day one because it is the only kind you can buy here that isn't medicated, unless you want to buy 5 lb. bags

I will switch to a layer feed when they are old enough.

 

[Akane]

Many feed well over 20% protein. I don't think you need to worry about too much protein causing a problem until you get near 30% and even then a few people on here feed 28%. If you aren't using layer feed though you should provide some other source of calcium like oyster shell or crushed up egg shells can help. Since it's a good idea to put out oyster shell just in case even if you are feeding layer it takes no more effort for me. I use 22% game bird feed for everyone so I don't have to worry about age groups.

 

[sydney13]

ive read that the extra protein is good for them because unlike the factory chickens, backyard chickens are outside running after bugs and getting exercise

 

[tommboy1973]

Ok I feel better now! When should I put out oyster shell, before they start laying? The australorps, golden sex link and welsummers are only 12 weeks now, with a few barred rocks at 10 weeks.

 

[gryeyes]

I'd buy it, but wait to put it out free choice until, #1 - some are 20 weeks old, OR #2 - you get your first egg, whichever occurs first.

I put crushed oyster shell in an empty tuna can nailed to an inside wall of the coop, near the feeder. I keep it full. And I feed all different ages the same feed, grower/finisher (equivalent to FlockRaiser) all the time. Well, chicks under 8 weeks are kept separately and fed chick starter.... But I have two ducks as well as four different age groups in my flock.

 

[mistyfeather]

i use flock raiser , everything els in the store i go to is medicated , they do fine with it