Optimal diet?

[Lucas]

I recently had to give up my flock due to a mycoplasma infection created by an unsuspecting infected hen I purchased. In the spring time I am planning on hatching a batch of eggs to begin a new flock.

Originally my previous hens would only be fed layers pellets alongside grit/oyster shell and house scraps but once I hatch my own I want to ensure they have the best diet possible for healthy hens and a strong immune systems and healthy eggs.

So my question to anyone willing to advise is what is the best diet to feed POL hens for their own health and the healthiest eggs?

 

[HillBilly BackWoods]

Free range is best with a little fermented grain.

 

[Icemaiden]

If you're in the UK I recommend Smallholder layers' pellets, fresh water and a maximum of one small handful of sunflower seeds most days as a treat.

 

[bigyetiman]

If you're in the UK I recommend Smallholder layers' pellets, fresh water and a maximum of one small handful of sunflower seeds most days as a treat.

That's what we use. Sunflower seeds also a handy bribe to get them to back into their run late afternoon

 

[Icemaiden]

That's what we use. Sunflower seeds also a handy bribe to get them to back into their run late afternoon

Sunflower seeds are also very handy when you go into the run in the morning and two of them make a break for the compost heap!!!

 

[Icemaiden]

Welcome back BYM. We've missed you!

 

[Icemaiden]

I noticed on yesterday's delivery of Smallholder layers pellets that the bags now have a new royal coat of arms on them, "By royal appointment to the king". He feeds his his hens with Smallholder organic layers' pellets. My girls have to make do with the next best thing. At least they're still GM free.

 

[Brewster]

Fonio. It’s very effective for the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis, my birds all have perfectly firm deposits with no odour.

And chlorella, this has a multitude of nutraceutical properties in poultry, I use it mostly for the vit d but I think it’s probably the effect it has on the microbiome that makes it so good for so many different issues.
It’s not cheap but you don’t need a lot, 1% inclusion reduces cholesterol in quail eggs by 20%. It’s safe up to 10% inclusion, over this the effect on the microbiome becomes biphasic, I use it at 5%.
It mixes well with other ingredients and is useful for increasing protein, if you combine it with fonio in the right ratio you could add this mix to a commercial feed without changing the total protein level.

Are you planning on making a feed from scratch or just trying to improve a commercial feed?
I could suggest other ingredients for increased egg production, quality and hatchability but it’s best not to mess about too much with a commercial feed or you will change the levels of everything else, different if making the feed yourself as you can adjust the other ingredients to accommodate new ones.