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What do you feed?

post #1 of 30
2/24/12 at 5:04am
Thread Starter 

What do you feed your layers?  I was going to do a poll but couldn't quite figgure it out...

 

1. Layer crumbles?

2. Layer pellets?

3. Scratch/grains?

4. Table scraps?

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post #2 of 30
2/24/12 at 5:16am

Nutrena pellets.  They waste far too many crumbles.

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post #3 of 30
2/24/12 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 

I just started using pellets because the crumbles looked too much like the bottom of the chicken coop, and when they start digging and shooting dirt everywhere, it all looks the same. As you said, "too much waste". Problem is they don't seem to like the pellets as much as the crumble. I'd assume they will adjust to it sooner or later. We also toss them a little scratch every morning as well.

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post #4 of 30
2/24/12 at 10:32am
Mash, from a local feed mill, they seem to like it. And we supply the corn to the mill
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post #5 of 30
2/24/12 at 10:39am

I've been using layer crumbles, but I think I'm going to start feeding them layer pellets. Less waste, just hope my bantams can eat them. I also feed them scratch, bird seed, oyster shell, grit, plenty of green things and yes yummy human food.

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post #6 of 30
2/24/12 at 10:55am

Container 1:Layer pellets. Not crumbles because they spill less with the pellets.

Container 2:Waterfowl feed because I have ducks not chickens.

Container 3:Oyster shell for nice hard shells.

Container 4:Grit for good digestion.

 

and a little bit of BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds), sprinkled on the food or ground because its good for the birds and the birds love them.

and a sprinkle of brewers yeast for extra B vitamins.

Fruit and vegetable trimmings I have. (lettuce, tomato, celery, cabbage, etc) (never any avocados or onions)

 

Plus they free range in my yard/garden getting grass, weeds and bugs.

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post #7 of 30
2/25/12 at 9:42pm

I was able to figure out how to save on my feed bill. I no longer feed commercial layer feed. I feed the following whole oats, whole barley, millet, cracked corn, wheat, BOSS, cooked peas (this is for protein).

Secret Garden Poultry specializing in Lavender/Lavender split Ameraucana's, Paint Silkies, BBS Orpingtons, Bantam Phoenix in Golden, Silver, BBR.

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Secret Garden Poultry specializing in Lavender/Lavender split Ameraucana's, Paint Silkies, BBS Orpingtons, Bantam Phoenix in Golden, Silver, BBR.

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post #8 of 30
2/26/12 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mustangsaguaro View Post

I was able to figure out how to save on my feed bill. I no longer feed commercial layer feed. I feed the following whole oats, whole barley, millet, cracked corn, wheat, BOSS, cooked peas (this is for protein).



This is very similar to what I feed (see my BYC page if interested):

millet

rolled oats

split peas

flaxseed

unsalted peanuts

cracked corn

wheat

BOSS

rolled barley

kelp meal for salt

oyster shell and grit mixed in

 

Nice to see others feeding the whole grains/seeds too! thumbsup.gif

 

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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post #9 of 30
2/27/12 at 3:59am
Thread Starter 

Wow - Thanks for the ideas! I might have to look into making my own feed too. With the cost of chicken feed going up up up - that might be the way to go.

 

Anyone else have home made chicken feed recipes? What are the best forms of protein? How about soy?

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post #10 of 30
2/27/12 at 5:05am

Quote:

Originally Posted by smk2010 View Post

Wow - Thanks for the ideas! I might have to look into making my own feed too. With the cost of chicken feed going up up up - that might be the way to go.

 

Anyone else have home made chicken feed recipes? What are the best forms of protein? How about soy?

Layer mix;

Corn, a 38% Mixer Pellet, and Molasses.

Breeder Mix;  

Corn, Wheat, a 38 and 32 percent mixer pellet, Alfalfa Meal, Black Oil Sunflower Seed, and Molasses.

Chick Starter;

Corn, and a 38% Mixer Pellet all is ground to a meal.

Grower;

Corn, Oats, a 38 and 32 percent mixer pellet, and Molasses. 

 

The best form of protein for chickens is animal proteins, either pork, beef, poultry, or fish and the second best would soy bean meal.

 

 

 

Chris


 

 

 


Edited by Chris09 - 2/27/12 at 5:26am

 

NPIP # 31-516
Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities http://sppa.webs.com/

Breeding Large Fowl Single and Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds to APA Standard


"I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman's cares." – 

George Washington

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NPIP # 31-516
Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities http://sppa.webs.com/

Breeding Large Fowl Single and Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds to APA Standard


"I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman's cares." – 

George Washington

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