Brown Rice

[Pokey11]

I buy organic brown rice and steam it for my chickens -- which they love!!! What I am wondering is -- how much protein is that?
I have no way to buy organic grain where I live, and try and grow greens year around for them, and than I give them some scratch and the brown rice daily. Helen in Las Vegas NV

 

[Organics North]

Hi,
Looks like 7.5% which is quite low. I personally would just use it for a treat, and make sure they get some high protein treats too! Maybe give them some fish with that rice!

Here is a link look at the bottom for proteins in many chicken grains..

http://www.lionsgrip.com/protein.html

ON

 

[Pokey11]

Thanks -- actually it is more of a treat. They have a large variety of food - fruits - vegetables - greens. The brown rice is expensive so really could not give them as much as they would like. In the summer, when its over 110 here I usually give them cold pasta in the afternoon - a treat and hopefully cools them down just a little. They also have a misting system. Anyway glad to have that cleared up.

 

[chookchick]

Is this in addition to a layer feed? Are they free-range? I would be concerned, that they are not getting enough protein, as they need about 16% protein in their diet, and all the items you have listed are much less than this. If you don't want to feed a formulated feed for some reason, you could ameliorate that by giving them low-salt fish, good quality cat food, meal worms or other high protein foods. Free range chickens can supplement with bugs etc...but they are harder to find in the winter.

 

[Organics North]

Hey pokey11,
Check out this thread and what alpinefarm is doing. She has brown rice in her chickens diet.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=289693&p=2

ON

 

[Sissy]

If for some reason you dont give them layer feed
I was going to suggest just as the previous poster
Cat food is higher in protein.

 

[startingaflock]

Quote:
I put a half of a watermelon out in the summer when it's really hot. My girls go nuts. I figure it's added liquid as well as something cool!

 

[Pokey11]

Good idea -- I hate watermelon -- but if I can find it on sale -- I will gladly bring home the melon.