Bar Ale Organic Hi-Energy Layer feed-All Non GMO ingredients

[Julia62]

I was given this feed (by the feed store) for my 10 week old Leghorn and two Wyandottes. I now also have a 12 week old EE. I was wondering if this was the right feed for their age? I have had them 2 weeks so they are 12 weeks old and we just got the EE.

Organic 17% Hi-Energy Layer feed is made from all natural, Certified Organic ingredients.

• 17% Protein
• 2.5% Fat
• 6.0% Fiber
• Corn and Soybean meal based to maximize feed palatability and efficiency
• Balanced amino acid levels to promote optimum performance, including Lysine
• No inferior proteins such as safflower or sunflower meal
• Contains natural Oyster Shell, a great calcium source, and gravel for the gizzard, to help with digestion
• Contains Extracts of Marigold flowers, a natural anti-oxidant and source of rich yellow skin and yolk color for the meat bird and layer
• Organic Oregano
• Diatomaceous Earth

I didn't know DE was in it but it is nearly last on the list of ingredients. I have it in crumble. Their run is 100 sq ft of grass and they do get some veggies and lately watermelon because it has been so hot! They love it.

 

[RJSorensen]

The standard answer to your question, the rule of thumb, is that generally layer feed is started at 16 weeks for most birds. So you are four weeks early by the standard. I don't see a problem with it, as you have it, and if I had purchased it, I most likely would feed it. It is said that getting calcium early may cause problems in the bird. I myself do not know this to be true or not by experience I have always just waited until someone layes or the magic 16 weeks came up. One or the other and you are good to go as current chicken wisdom is enacted.

Choice is yours, you most likely will get by just fine. If you have not opened it, you might consider waiting… if you have, the cost would cause me to do it. And I would.

I don't know that I have answered your question or not, but I hope in making you aware of the pros and cons you can choose what you need to do for your birds.

RJ

 

[Julia62]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, I have been using it for two weeks. I told the folks at the feed store how old they were and that is what they gave me. I guess they are "teenagers", kind of in the middle. Of course I don't know their exact age as I bought them, I didn't raise them from chicks.

Here are all four of them together on the outside roost today. It was just after a hard, brief, rain. L to R: Mrs. Howell, Ginger, MaryAnn, and Tammy Wyandotte!

 

[Julia62]

The Bar Ale chick starter has .9% calcium (min) and this food has 2% (min). The feeding instructions from them says 8+ weeks to use what they gave me, so maybe that's why they gave me that feed.
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