StefneyRSA
In the Brooder
I buy feed from my local feed store. In my country they have two categories to choose from: broiler and layer.
Which of these would be the best option for a mixed flock of backyard Orpingtons? I have cockerels in a run by themselves, and they get to free range on the lawn an hour or two each day.
My other flock is out free ranging all day, they are older hens, a rooster, pullets not yet laying, and because we’re in autumn now we have some hens moulting too. They get a calcium supplement on the side ad-lib.
All my chickens get their feed out 24/7 ad lib. I do give BSFL and sunflower seeds etc as treats when I handle them and hang out. But it’s not an everyday thing nor do I want to have to give treats and worms for extra nutrients if I could rather have their feed provide all they needs and any extras be just a treat.
I have been feeding option A for a year because I read you ideally want a feed with 20% or more protein. Feed A is 18%. But I didn’t really pay attention to the other values.
What would the benefit/side effects be in the Lysine? And would it be better to choose feed B because it has more Lysine, and sacrifice the extra 2% protein?
And what does the extra fibre do?
I have no idea which option would be best for my backyard flock of dual purpose birds. My vet says they’re a healthy weight. And my hatch rate this past season was decent enough, about 80% of my eggs made it to adulthood.
*picture of my favourite hen getting cuddles for tax.
Which of these would be the best option for a mixed flock of backyard Orpingtons? I have cockerels in a run by themselves, and they get to free range on the lawn an hour or two each day.
My other flock is out free ranging all day, they are older hens, a rooster, pullets not yet laying, and because we’re in autumn now we have some hens moulting too. They get a calcium supplement on the side ad-lib.
All my chickens get their feed out 24/7 ad lib. I do give BSFL and sunflower seeds etc as treats when I handle them and hang out. But it’s not an everyday thing nor do I want to have to give treats and worms for extra nutrients if I could rather have their feed provide all they needs and any extras be just a treat.
I have been feeding option A for a year because I read you ideally want a feed with 20% or more protein. Feed A is 18%. But I didn’t really pay attention to the other values.
What would the benefit/side effects be in the Lysine? And would it be better to choose feed B because it has more Lysine, and sacrifice the extra 2% protein?
And what does the extra fibre do?
I have no idea which option would be best for my backyard flock of dual purpose birds. My vet says they’re a healthy weight. And my hatch rate this past season was decent enough, about 80% of my eggs made it to adulthood.
*picture of my favourite hen getting cuddles for tax.
