Chick crumbles not ok for adult chickens?

[ForFlocksSake]

I emailed Kalmbach feeds asking about the product I use for all my chickens (all hens) of all ages (organic grower/starter 20% protein) to see if it’s suitable for ducklings. In their response they said it’s not suitable for adult chickens as I have been using it. I offer oyster shells on the side and my flock seems happy and healthy. This was the response from the company:

“Thank you for your inquiry. Since this is a starter/grower feed, it's really meant for growing birds, not adult birds. For ducklings, yes, it would be fine but once they reach adulthood, along with your other birds, they should be on an adult formula feed. We have organic feeds for mature birds. Organic Layer 17% (in both pellet and crumble form) and Organic Henhouse Reserve. No calcium supplements needed, if you are using either of those products. Hope that helps!“

Then I went ahead and asked AI if it’s ok to feed chick starter to adult hens and this is the response:

“Yes, you can feed starter/grower crumbles to adult chickens, but it’s not ideal long-term. Starter/grower feed is formulated for chicks and young birds, with higher protein (16-20%) to support growth. Adult laying hens need layer feed with more calcium (3-4%) for eggshell production and slightly less protein (15-18%). Feeding starter/grower to adults may lead to calcium deficiency, weaker eggshells, or reproductive issues over time. For non-laying adults (e.g., roosters or retired hens), it’s less critical, but layer feed is still better balanced.


If you’re in a pinch, it’s safe for a short period. Supplement with calcium sources like crushed oyster shells if they’re laying. Transition to layer feed for optimal health.”

Am I’m feeding too high of a protein content to my adult hens?

 

[DobieLover]

Well, I beg to differ. I've been feeding my flock chick starter their entire lives with free choice feeding of oyster shell on the side. The oldest hens have just turned 7 and the next oldest 6 and all are still laying. I have been feeding an average of 20% protein to my flock from day one. Forever.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I think they're trying to cover their butts, just in case someone doesn't provide supplemental oyster shell for layers.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Keep in mind that feed companies have a vested interest in selling something and AI is likely as not to be straight up  wrong. I don't know if there have been any studies on the effects of feeding higher protein to adult birds, but anecdotal evidence says it's not a problem. Which is sort of the natural conclusion....after all it's not like we're out here making completely different food for our children until they reach adulthood.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Put this topic in the search bar and you will find lots and lots of info about this-most of it first hand from chicken keepers who keep flocks long term, not commercial feed companies who are trying to sell a product. I keep a mixed age flock and stopped feeding layer feed years ago. Just got a couple old hens and they are eating chick starter with calcium on the side. They are four years old and don’t need high levels of calcium for the two eggs a week they are going to lay me and when I get pullets in a few weeks they can all eat the same thing. An additional consideration is activity and free range time. My birds get out to free range for at least a few hours a day. Commercial layer feed is designed for cooped birds with no means to forage.

 

[nuthatched]

I'm surprised at their answer.
Yeah, that's why you provide oyster shells for your laying hens.
The feed is fine for everyone as long as the hens have oyster shell.
Hens need protein, more then 16%.

 

[DobieLover]

All the studies performed on chickens to determine their 'optimal' nutritional requirements were geared toward the commercial industry for maximizing profits for either egg or meat production. Period.

Protein is expensive. Quality protein even more so.
Chickens that are foraging are going after various greens but will put extra energy and efforts into catching insects, frogs, etc. AKA - protein.

If the commercial industry can keep a bird alive and producing the maximum amount of eggs their bodies can crank out for 16-20 months with the minimal amount of protein, this is their definition of 'optimal' as the hens will then be slaughtered and turned into chicken soup or pot pies. They don't have 7 year old layers in commercial practices.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

Put this topic in the search bar and you will find lots and lots of info about this-most of it first hand from chicken keepers who keep flocks long term, not commercial feed companies who are trying to sell a product. I keep a mixed age flock and stopped feeding layer feed years ago. Just got a couple old hens and they are eating chick starter with calcium on the side. They are four years old and don’t need high levels of calcium for the two eggs a week they are going to lay me and when I get pullets in a few weeks they can all eat the same thing. An additional consideration is activity and free range time. My birds get out to free range for at least a few hours a day. Commercial layer feed is designed for cooped birds with no means to forage.

This forum is how I came to the decision to never take them off starter crumbles! it’s been a lot more convenient with mixing ages in my flock and my girls produce large, strong, vibrant eggs every day.

My birds are contained but have over 1,000 sq/ft to roam within and get scraps from the garden and table regularly. I also give them soldier fly larva a few times per week. They are thriving on this diet which is why it surprised me.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It is darn near impossible to feed chicks chick feed, laying hens layer feed and roosters adult chicken feed with no calcium, in a mixed flock. The logistics of doing so boggle the mind. I take it back, it IS impossible! But an alk-flock or chick/ grower feed meets everyone's needs, and if you supply oyster shell for the laying hens, all the chickens will get everything they nedd.

I used to feed a layer feed, and when they molted I gave them a higher protein "feather fixer." That seemed absurd to me so I switched to the higher protein all the time. Now they rip through molt very quickly and get back to laying right away.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

It is darn near impossible to feed chicks chick feed, laying hens layer feed and roosters adult chicken feed with no calcium, in a mixed flock. The logistics of doing so boggle the mind. I take it back, it IS impossible! But an alk-flock or chick/ grower feed meets everyone's needs, and if you supply oyster shell for the laying hens, all the chickens will get everything they nedd.

I used to feed a layer feed, and when they molted I gave them a higher protein "feather fixer." That seemed absurd to me so I switched to the higher protein all the time. Now they rip through molt very quickly and get back to laying right away.

I’ve actually noticed their “molts” are barely an interruption in their egg laying or day to day.