- Nov 26, 2012
- 23
- 5
- 26
Can some one please help me with a question? We have a small flock of 23 chickens.
The problem is that all that feed is expensive and I'm worried it will go way up due to the drought. I can't freely free range them due to neighbors and predators.
I understand that chickens need what is in the laying formula, grains and scraps and calcium. What I was wondering is, If I was able to provide them enough protein plus half the amount of laying formula and enough grains & calcium would that work?
For example: I feed my 23 chickens 100 pounds of laying formula and 50 scratch every month.
I was hoping to feed them say 50 lbs laying plus extra protein and 50 lbs scratch and free choice calcium .
The extra protein would come from our other livestock (meat). You may be wondering: if I have extra meat why give it to the chickens? Well, variety I guess and we love chickens and love eggs!! And this other livestock costs virtually nil to feed, especially when compared to chickens.
Has anyone else done anything like this?
Thanks! I love BYC I research a lot on here. This is my first question because I couldn't find an answer.
I've looked into raising Dubia Cockroaches, Mealworms, Aquatic Snails, Mung beans etc. I dont think any of these would work on a large enough scale to feed 23 chickens though.
Thanks!
The problem is that all that feed is expensive and I'm worried it will go way up due to the drought. I can't freely free range them due to neighbors and predators.
I understand that chickens need what is in the laying formula, grains and scraps and calcium. What I was wondering is, If I was able to provide them enough protein plus half the amount of laying formula and enough grains & calcium would that work?
For example: I feed my 23 chickens 100 pounds of laying formula and 50 scratch every month.
I was hoping to feed them say 50 lbs laying plus extra protein and 50 lbs scratch and free choice calcium .
The extra protein would come from our other livestock (meat). You may be wondering: if I have extra meat why give it to the chickens? Well, variety I guess and we love chickens and love eggs!! And this other livestock costs virtually nil to feed, especially when compared to chickens.
Has anyone else done anything like this?
Thanks! I love BYC I research a lot on here. This is my first question because I couldn't find an answer.
I've looked into raising Dubia Cockroaches, Mealworms, Aquatic Snails, Mung beans etc. I dont think any of these would work on a large enough scale to feed 23 chickens though.
Thanks!