Help needed, What food do I put the flock on?

[Traffie Chickens]

Hi! some confusion here, So I have a (laying flock) that is currently on layer feed pellets,
But I am introducing some new (non laying chicks) into the flock. And I have heard that non laying chicks can’t eat layer feed. So what food do I put the flock on? Do I just put everyone, including the laying hens on starter/grower chick food? Thanks!

 

[wrathsfarm]

I would... Then transition to an all-flock feed with oyster shell on the side for the layers

 

[RoyalChick]

Hi! some confusion here, So I have a (laying flock) that is currently on layer feed pellets,
But I am introducing some new (non laying chicks) into the flock. And I have heard that non laying chicks can’t eat layer feed. So what food do I put the flock on? Do I just put everyone, including the laying hens on starter/grower chick food? Thanks!

What many people do is find an 'all flock' feed - different brands have different names but it is basically feed without the added calcium needed for layers.
Then you give calcium - in the form of oyster shell and often their own egg shells as well - on the side. The hens seem to know when they need more calcium.
Long term this is the right answer if you will have a flock with roosters because the calcium can build up and harm their organs (particularly their kidneys I believe). But it is a long term effect so don't worry about finishing up a bag or anything like that - a bit won't harm them.

 

[Traffie Chickens]

What many people do is find an 'all flock' feed - different brands have different names but it is basically feed without the added calcium needed for layers.
Then you give calcium - in the form of oyster shell and often their own egg shells as well - on the side. The hens seem to know when they need more calcium.
Long term this is the right answer if you will have a flock with roosters because the calcium can build up and harm their organs (particularly their kidneys I believe). But it is a long term effect so don't worry about finishing up a bag or anything like that - a bit won't harm them.

Ok! Thanks so much for the help! I didn’t know there was such a thing as all flock feed. I will look for it.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

This is a common question, I'll link the common answer. You may find the additional info helpful.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not sure what country you are in or what the different feeds may be called wherever you are. There should be a table on the bag that shows nutrition levels. Things like protein, calcium, fiber, fat, etc. What you want to avoid is a feed with the Calcium around 4%. Look for a feed around 1% calcium. Then get a percentage protein level you are OK with. People feed anything from 16% protein to over 20%. Some people seem to feel you are abusing your chickens if you don't feed them a fairly high protein feed but my chickens do well on the lower protein percentage.

 

[EddieSalita]

Its simple.

Feed the flock based on the youngest member.

And

Calcium source should always be available regardless of feed type.

 

[Traffie Chickens]

I'm not sure what country you are in or what the different feeds may be called wherever you are. There should be a table on the bag that shows nutrition levels. Things like protein, calcium, fiber, fat, etc. What you want to avoid is a feed with the Calcium around 4%. Look for a feed around 1% calcium. Then get a percentage protein level you are OK with. People feed anything from 16% protein to over 20%. Some people seem to feel you are abusing your chickens if you don't feed them a fairly high protein feed but my chickens do well on the lower protein percentage.

Is this good? This is what we bought. It’s 1% calcium.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min)	20.00%
Lysine (min)	0.60%
Methionine (min)	0.25%
Crude Fat (min)	2.50%
Crude Fiber (max)	7.00%
Calcium (Ca) (min)	0.60%
Calcium (Ca) (max)	1.00%
Phosphorus (P) (min)	0.45%
Salt (NaCL) (min)	0.20%
Salt (NaCL) (max)	0.70%
Sodium (Na) (max)	0.55%

Looks good to me. Just serve oyster shell on the side for any chickens that are laying eggs.

 

[Traffie Chickens]

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min)	20.00%
Lysine (min)	0.60%
Methionine (min)	0.25%
Crude Fat (min)	2.50%
Crude Fiber (max)	7.00%
Calcium (Ca) (min)	0.60%
Calcium (Ca) (max)	1.00%
Phosphorus (P) (min)	0.45%
Salt (NaCL) (min)	0.20%
Salt (NaCL) (max)	0.70%
Sodium (Na) (max)	0.55%

Looks good to me. Just serve oyster shell on the side for any chickens that are laying eggs.

Ok great! Thanks for the help!