peckysue+ninja Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Hi all, Just started keeping chickens, we got 2 hens at 10 weeks old and they're now 20 weeks. Have 2 questions: We've been feeding them Omlet Organic Feed. Is that okay? Should I add grit, even though they free range? Thank you in advance for any help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursula123 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Hi, I feed my four chooks a good quality layers pellet although not organic, which I feel is up to the individual. (I can not comment on the omlet food as I have never used it - sorry.) They free range all day but there is a pot of mixed grit in their eglu run alongside the grub feeder. I also supplement them with a poultry tonic in their water and at this time of year warm layers pellet mash with poultry spice mixed in late afternoon. I am sure someone on here will be able to help with regard to omlet food. Enjoy your chooks they are a source of great entertainment and all have individual personalities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 My only comment about the Omlet Organic food is that it's very expensive. Can't comment on how good it is as I've never used it. I don't give my free rangers grit. You could do an ingredient comparison with some other brands. Farm and Pet Place sell a good variety and have good p&p charges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 12, 2015 Author Share Posted November 12, 2015 Thanks for your replies. My worry is that layers food is harming them as they aren't laying yet. Is that true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Depends a bit on what type of breed they are. If they're hybrids they may well lay this year, if not they probably won't til next spring. Probably best to keep them on growers anyway. Some people put their layers onto growers over the winter months. I think I might do that actually, to help with their condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 17, 2015 Share Posted November 17, 2015 I can't see a nutritional breakdown of the Omlet feed but you are right that Layers Pellets generally contain too much calcium for growing hens. They should be fed chick crumb then growers pellets and then introduce layers at around 20 weeks or point of lay. As they were 10 weeks when you got them they should be ok this time but in future keep young birds on growers until they're laying, then introduce layers. I use the Smallholder Layers pellets and pay around £12 for 20kgs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 17, 2015 Author Share Posted November 17, 2015 Thanks for the advice. Is there anything you can do to minimise any damage caused by the excess calcium? PecksySue(Cuvee Maran) laid her first small but perfectly formed egg this morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 I wouldn't worry about it, just put it down to experience. Glad to hear she is laying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 congratulations. I hope you did the egg dance. What kind of chooks do you have? Any chance of a photo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 Sorry, just seen you can't post photos just yet. Also I got the complete wrong end of the stick about the feed. Thought you were just asking how good it was, didn't realise you were worried about feeding layers to your youngsters. Seems like alls ended well though. I feed mine Fancy Feed or Smallholders. Marriages when they're being wormed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 18, 2015 Author Share Posted November 18, 2015 Yes we did a chicken dance-well the children did! The receipt from the supplier called one a Rhondda Ranger (ginger with black tail feather and wing tips) and the other a Courvais Maran (mostly black feathers with a blue sheen and brown neck feathers). Any idea what these are as I can't see them listed anywhere? I guess they are hybrids? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 Sounds like a columbian black tail, which is a cross between a Rhode Island Red and a Light Sussex. Not sure about the Marans has she got feathery feet. Photo would be handy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 18, 2015 Author Share Posted November 18, 2015 The black tail columbian black tail images I googled look spot on. PeckySue doesn't have feathery feet but does looks like Maisie in this post (http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59687).?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 18, 2015 Share Posted November 18, 2015 If that's what she looks like I'm afraid she's not a Marans at all. She's a Black Rock. A Rhode Island Red crossed with a Barred Plymouth Rock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Me again. I've just had a thought it could be a Copper Black Marans that you have. Check it out on Google. What colour egg did she lay. It should have been dark brown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 Ooh good be either. The egg was darker than a normal shop bought egg but overly dark, think her legs are yellow though. Back to a Black Rock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Yep yellow legs, Black Rock. They're really good layers though, as are the Colombian black tails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peckysue+ninja Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 Cheers, 2 eggs from the Black Rock PeckySue and counting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
