Are there other feeding options?

[aworth]

Hi ! My chicks are finally grown I have been receiving precious eggs here and there and this just started a few days ago! However, I do have a question about feed. My chickens are organic. They ate organic starter feed ,& are now on organic layer blend (it’s crumbly not pellets) & also free range through out the day pecking at bugs and what not. I also give them scratch. I was wondering if this is correct, to have layer blend as their main source of food, or should they be eating something else? They are all beautiful and healthy and seem to be happy! Thanks

 

[coach723]

Nothing wrong with layer blend for hens this age. Many of us feed an all flock/flock raiser feed which is a little higher in protein, doesn't contain the calcium, and we provide the calcium separately as oyster shell or oyster shell mixed with crushed egg shells in a separate feeder. Layer feed is usually 16% protein, flock raisers and starter/growers are usually in the 18-20% protein range. When you have multiple ages, or have roosters in the flock, it tends to work better, they can take what they need and birds that don't need the extra calcium won't get it. The layer has calcium in it, but it's still a good idea to provide the oyster shell as needs can vary. Long term the extra calcium in the layer feed can sometimes cause problems. Birds out of lay (molting, winter break, or old enough to quit laying) don't need the calcium and it can contribute to gout, and kidney problems. It can also affect egg shells, too little can cause weak, thin, or non shelled eggs, too much can cause rough spots or lumps on eggs. Roosters don't need the extra calcium and it can cause problems for them. Baby chicks should not be given layer feed as the calcium can damage organs as they grow. So when chicks are in the mix the all flock is better, it doesn't contain the extra calcium (or feed the whole flock the starter/grower with oyster shell available in a separate feeder). I feed my brooder chicks a starter/grower while in the brooder and switch them to all flock when they go out with the flock, it's just easier. Broody hen raised chicks get the all flock from the beginning. Whether to use crumbles or pellets is just a choice, which ever form works for you and which ever your birds prefer. Be careful with the scratch. They love it, and it can make them fat and cause a lot of health problems. They will eat the scratch and leave the feed. It should be only occasionally, and all treats (everything other than the feed) should not be more than 10% of the total diet. It is VERY easy to over do the treats, we are all guilty of it sometimes.

 

[Penpal]

I agree in so far that the additions in many lawns are better than the grass we love to mow. Plantain, clover, lamb's quarters, etc. Also, the many delicious insects that populate a lawn, such as fleas and ticks.

 

[Penpal]

I would consider being allowed to free range to be as good as it gets. Omit the scratch.

 

[Perris]

Your powers of deduction are noted.
For others, this might be of interest
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...enefit-provided-by-this-everyday-green.67397/

 

[tigger19687]

Depends on the quantity and quality of the land. A quarter acre of grass will provide next to no nutrition

It isn't the Grass they are mainly eating, it's the bugs and grubs & other plant life

all flock/flock raiser feed, I like better with oyster shells on the side.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The Irish agricultural development board knows what it's talking about. Here's the pdf which you apparently didn't bother to read (and yes it's about cows, but I've yet to find anything from the pastured poultry sector that compares). No-one is suggesting that chickens can live entirely on grass. The question is, is grass good for them? what's in it?

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I have read it, and won't be faulted simply because you did not understand what you read.

Grass is 83% water, according to your linked source.

Of what remains (17% dry matter), best case, 28% of that is protein. Worst case, just 11%.

Each 100g of grass, therefore, provides between 4.76 and 1.87g crude protein (according to this source - most of the studies I've read have put the high end of total crude protein lower - in the 18% of DM range - with a similar low end.).

Chicken feed is currently formulated, in the main, to provide between 16 and 20g crude protein as a daily ration for the typical feed. To meet that CP requirement, they would need to consume 4 (according to this source, best case) to more than 10 (worst case) times the weight of grass each day to replace 100g of a typical feed's CP. That's 400 to 1,000g per day, or between 1 and 2.2# of grass per day.

My typical production red hens weigh just 4.5# - that's roughly 1/4 to 1/2 their body weight in grass, daily. Just as I said.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

This conversation has certainly derailed disturbingly fast, WOW!

Apologies for my part in that.

FWIW I (and many others) recommend "All Flock, all the time" plus fresh clean water and oyster shell on th esides for most BYCers under most conditions. Its a popular opinion here - plenty of upside, only downside is a (slight) increase in price.

I **also** free range - something a lot of people don't have the luxury to do.

 

[Red Mangrove]

I would consider being allowed to free range to be as good as it gets. Omit the scratch.

Depends on the quantity and quality of the land. A quarter acre of grass will provide next to no nutrition

 

[Perris]

Depends on the quantity and quality of the land. A quarter acre of grass will provide next to no nutrition

You should find out what the nutritional profile of grass is, before repeating this nonsense.