Winter feed ... change when layers stop laying?

[Grammie Has Chickens]

Hi Everyone! I've been feeding layer crumble / mash feeds since before my 'Chicklets' started laying in early September. With broodiness setting in and shorter days, I now have one of four backyard chickens laying and I'm wondering about what feed is best. Is layer mash too high in calcium if they are not actually producing eggs? The shells on the eggs my girlies have given me are awesome... very solid! But with them not laying now (and I'm OK with that ... they need their winter break) should I be changing what I am feeding them? Besides their feeder full of layer mash, I also provide a bowl of small bird grit, and another bowl of finely ground egg shells. They get very occasional treats, as I don't want to upset their tummies!

 

[rosemarythyme]

They don't need the extra calcium if they're not laying, so you can switch them to grower or all flock for the winter if you wish. Extra benefit is those feeds usually have higher protein as well, which can help any birds still finishing off molt with feather growth.

 

[Grammie Has Chickens]

Thanks for your reply. My chickens have not really gone through a molt yet, although I've seen more loose feathers around over the last couple of days. Definitely the worst time of the year here for them to be losing feathers. Heading into a frosty winter cold spell! I hope I won't have to knit sweaters for them, LOL!

 

[ChloeSilkie08]

Thanks for your reply. My chickens have not really gone through a molt yet, although I've seen more loose feathers around over the last couple of days. Definitely the worst time of the year here for them to be losing feathers. Heading into a frosty winter cold spell! I hope I won't have to knit sweaters for them, LOL!

Haha! Mine did the same thing!