“No Feed” Feeding?

[Shadrach]

They would have to know chicken nutrition...not just general nutrition. And feed IS proper, balanced, correct nutrition for the animal and purpose for which it was made. It’s just that humans tend to apply human emotions to animals and then think that the animal appreciates the variety, etc. I feed my chickens treats on occasion, however I rely on feed as the backbone of their nutrition. Of course, I can easily source feed. Most people would not know what chickens needed or what was in the trash items they were feeding their chickens.

I think there is a health case to be made for variety in diet. I don't think it's just a case of anthropomorphism. Chickens apparently require 8 amino acids to construct a complete protein. There are however many more amino acids and various possible combinations of these acids that will also provide a complete protein. Then there is also the point regarding the omnivorous nature of chickens, yet many are fed on a vegetarian diet.
A proper comparison over a life of a chicken fed on selected scraps compared to a commercial feed would make an interesting study.

 

[Acre4Me]

I think there is a health case to be made for variety in diet. I don't think it's just a case of anthropomorphism. Chickens apparently require 8 amino acids to construct a complete protein. There are however many more amino acids and various possible combinations of these acids that will also provide a complete protein. Then there is also the point regarding the omnivorous nature of chickens, yet many are fed on a vegetarian diet.
A proper comparison over a life of a chicken fed on selected scraps compared to a commercial feed would make an interesting study.

Good point on the fact that many feeds are vegetarian and chickens (like humans) are omnivores. Omnivores benefit from animal proteins. I feed mine leftover meat, when possible(which is only occasional) -they gobble it up. Pretty sure their feed is likely vegetarian bc not sure if you can get a chicken feed with meat protein (or not easily anyway).

 

[Shadrach]

Good point on the fact that many feeds are vegetarian and chickens (like humans) are omnivores. Omnivores benefit from animal proteins. I feed mine leftover meat, when possible(which is only occasional) -they gobble it up. Pretty sure their feed is likely vegetarian bc not sure if you can get a chicken feed with meat protein (or not easily anyway).

I do much the same.
I can't help thinking about a program where someone tried to see if they could survive on what they could buy at McDonalds. They got ill after a while but in theory they were getting the essential amino acids.

 

[AmyJane725]

I do much the same.
I can't help thinking about a program where someone tried to see if they could survive on what they could buy at McDonalds. They got ill after a while but in theory they were getting the essential amino acids.

Yes, but having some of all the essential amino acids doesn't make the food balanced. It's complete, but definitely not balanced. Way too much fat, salt, carbs, etc.

 

[AmyJane725]

Good point on the fact that many feeds are vegetarian and chickens (like humans) are omnivores. Omnivores benefit from animal proteins. I feed mine leftover meat, when possible(which is only occasional) -they gobble it up. Pretty sure their feed is likely vegetarian bc not sure if you can get a chicken feed with meat protein (or not easily anyway).

Not anymore. They're basically all vegetarian now. None of the stores near me offer any with animal protein.