What feed is best for egg production

[JakeFlyFish]

I've always fed laying mash and scratch grains with some whole grain corn. I read an article this week that suggested for maximum egg laying no scratch grains or corn should be fed. Any ideas on that theory? Is there a type of laying mash that's better than others and are the laying pellets as good as the mash? Sorry for all the questions in one post, I'm fairly new to this, I have 10 egg layers, 4 pullets redish in color, 4 Americauna's and 2 old girls I'm not sure what they are! Jake

[Neil E. Grassbaugh]

I've always fed laying mash and scratch grains with some whole grain corn. I read an article this week that suggested for maximum egg laying no scratch grains or corn should be fed. That would be correct. Any ideas on that theory? Not a theory, it is a fact Is there a type of laying mash that's better than others and are the laying pellets as good as the mash? Any commercial laying feed is quite adequate. Pellets will decrease waste (and ultimately save feed and cost less) in properly managed feeders. Crumbles are next best. If the birds don't "like" pellets at first give them a couple of days with no other choices and they will like them just fine. Sorry for all the questions in one post, I'm fairly new to this, No problem at all. I have 10 egg layers, 4 pullets redish in color, 4 Americauna's and 2 old girls I'm not sure what they are! Jake

[Rich]

Laying feeds are designed to be the sole feed for laying birds. They already include corn and other feed grains, protein supplements, minerals and vitamins to provide all the nutrients for maximizing egg production. Feeding whole grains or scratch feed dilutes the nutrients as most cereal grains contain less protein, minerals and vitamins than what the birds need. I liken it to ice cream. I love ice cream and eat it when it is available but it is not the best thing for me to eat. Birds prefer the coarse grains like I prefer the ice cream. They get some nutrients out of the grains, but not in the proper proportion for maximum production and health. Most labels on commercially available laying rations recommed that it be fed alone. The only time you may want to provide some scratch is when it is extremely cold and the extra energy from the grains would be a benefit, but even then, only a small amount is needed.

[Pathfinders]

[quote="Neil E. Grassbaugh"]If the birds don't "like" pellets at first give them a couple of days with no other choices and they will like them just fine.[/b]

ROFL. You're so mean... :lol:

[Rich]

One other way to switch birds to pellets is to mix pellets and mash or crumbles about 50/50 for a few days, then 75 % pellets, 25 percent crumbles or mash for a few days before going all pellets. That gives them an option but I do agree with Neil (imagine that), pellets are less wasteful and a better choice if they are available.

[JakeFlyFish]

Thanks to all those responding, most appreciated. Will greens from the table hurt? Fruits & vegtables? Thanks, Jake

[Rich]

Some greens/vegetables won't hurt however use them as treats and not as a major portion of the diet. I don't feed supplements other than a little scratch in really cold weather.