Silkie started laying, what feed?

[Silkiechicmom]

Hello!

I have (what I believe to be) two silkie hens and one roo. We got our first egg today! I am wondering if I need to change their feed. They currently eat organic starter crumble and chick grit and they free range for a few hours each day. Since I have a possible mixed flock should I stay on starter crumble? Switch to layer or all flock? Do I need to add oyster shell in a bowl to their run? Any advice would be very helpful! This is my first time having chickens! Thanks

 

[GC-Raptor]

I don't have silkies or a rooster. I have Golden Comets and Barred Rock hens.
I don't feed a layers feed. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or All-Flock/Flock Raiser crumble. 18/20% Protein, whichever is fresher or available when I'm at TSC.
I would continue feeding the Starter crumble and get some of the larger Poultry Grit and Oyster Shells .
I offer each in separate containers. . I drilled several 3/32 holes in the bottom to drain moisture. GC

 

[Silkiechicmom]

I don't have silkies or a rooster. I have Golden Comets and Barred Rock hens.
I don't feed a layers feed. I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or All-Flock/Flock Raiser crumble. 18/20% Protein, whichever is fresher or available when I'm at TSC.
I would continue feeding the Starter crumble and get some of the larger Poultry Grit View attachment 1989955 and Oyster Shells View attachment 1989956.
I offer each in separate containers.View attachment 1989958 View attachment 1989965. I drilled several 3/32 holes in the bottom to drain moisture. GC

Thank you so much! So it would be safe to keep them all on the starter crumble and then just offer some additional oyster for the two hens? Thanks!!!

 

[drmolarmagic]

I'M JEALOUS!! My Silkies haven't laid eggs yet......
Enjoy!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thank you so much! So it would be safe to keep them all on the starter crumble and then just offer some additional oyster for the two hens? Thanks!!!

Yes. You could also toss some Oyster Shells on the ground in their pen.
When your other hen starts to lay you could switch to a Layers feed. But Your Rooster doesn't need the extra Calcium in a Layers feed, but many feed to Roosters anyway. GC

 

[Matilda Belle]

No need to switch feed unless you have them on medicated. I give my entire flock non-medicated chick starter. Just be sure there is grit and oyster shell available at all times.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hello!

I have (what I believe to be) two silkie hens and one roo. We got our first egg today! I am wondering if I need to change their feed. They currently eat organic starter crumble and chick grit and they free range for a few hours each day. Since I have a possible mixed flock should I stay on starter crumble? Switch to layer or all flock? Do I need to add oyster shell in a bowl to their run? Any advice would be very helpful! This is my first time having chickens! Thanks

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I bred Silkies for several years... I would NOT personally ever switch to "layer" for that breed... They have been too broody for layer to be a good choice long term in my experience. As well... SOME can need the higher amino acid content found in "starter" or "flock raiser" feeds.

I suggest not lower than 20% protein feed... and oyster shell offered free choice on the side. Since making the switch, my birds have lighter molts and come through it faster and stronger!

Also if they hatch any chicks then you won't have to try different feeds. And as stated your cockerel doesn't need the added calcium of layer and it could cause kidney problems long term.

Only time I have soft shells is a hiccup of new layers coming into or exiting lay for the season. Roosters and chicks may sample but won't OD like when they consume it in layer and aren't able to avoid it.

If that's all the birds you have... might wanna get a small bag of oyster shell instead of the large one.

How old are your birds? Feel free to post pics!

 

[Silkiechicmom]

I'M JEALOUS!! My Silkies haven't laid eggs yet......
Enjoy!

Hope you get some soon! I was over the top excited finding that egg!

 

[Silkiechicmom]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I bred Silkies for several years... I would NOT personally ever switch to "layer" for that breed... They have been too broody for layer to be a good choice long term in my experience. As well... SOME can need the higher amino acid content found in "starter" or "flock raiser" feeds.

I suggest not lower than 20% protein feed... and oyster shell offered free choice on the side. Since making the switch, my birds have lighter molts and come through it faster and stronger!

Also if they hatch any chicks then you won't have to try different feeds. And as stated your cockerel doesn't need the added calcium of layer and it could cause kidney problems long term.

Only time I have soft shells is a hiccup of new layers coming into or exiting lay for the season. Roosters and chicks may sample but won't OD like when they consume it in layer and aren't able to avoid it.

If that's all the birds you have... might wanna get a small bag of oyster shell instead of the large one.

How old are your birds? Feel free to post pics!

Thank you so much for all of this great advice!!! I think I will keep them on the starter feed, and offer them grit and oyster shell in separate bowls....in two days I have had two eggs! The eggs seemed very strong when cracking them...I incubated them this summer and they hatched in early July.

 

[Matilda Belle]

Beautiful silkies.