2:1 Chicken Mix.....

[Shamo Hybrid]

So, since I'm a balla on a budget....... I decided to mix scratch and pellets at a 2:1 ratio (2 scratch to 1 complete feed), do you think they are getting enough nutritional needs? My excuse is since we are currently going through tough times, we all have to sacrifice a little for the good of the world. I figure they'd much rather prefer this option then Option #2 which is........ off with their heads!

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Short answer...no.

At Tractor Supply, the price difference between scratch and layer pellet is $2 per 50 lb bag.

You’ll take a big hit on egg production and overall health with the low protein mix you’re proposing. You’d be better off reducing your flock size and feeding 90%+ layer pellet.

 

[pibb]

That's true for the Dumor layer feed. Not much of a price difference to sacrifice nutrition.

If you're a balla then surely you have $2. If not then instead of goin to the club bring your lady back home and enjoy option #2.

 

[Rosie65]

Price match with rural king and its 9.99 a 50lb bag!

 

[Barnmaradotte]

I've recently started using the Dumor layer pellets and for the price it's not bad at all. My hens get a lot of free range time so I can justify not getting them the gold flaked champagne of the chicken feed world and keep it cheap. With the Dumor feed production went up.

 

[Kiki]

So, since I'm a balla on a budget....... I decided to mix scratch and pellets at a 2:1 ratio (2 scratch to 1 complete feed), do you think they are getting enough nutritional needs? My excuse is since we are currently going through tough times, we all have to sacrifice a little for the good of the world. I figure they'd much rather prefer this option then Option #2 which is........ off with their heads!

Are you being serious?

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Are you being serious?

Sacrifices must be made in these trying times....... maybe this will be a little reminder for you. Hmmph!

 

[NatJ]

I decided to mix scratch and pellets at a 2:1 ratio (2 scratch to 1 complete feed), do you think they are getting enough nutritional needs?

No. Not enough protein. Not enough of some vitamins and minerals.

If you cannot afford the usual amount of chicken feed, consider dispatching some chickens so you can afford to feed the rest properly.

Also, re-examine your chicken feed choices: if you usually feed organic layer feed, switching to not-organic layer feed might save enough money without harming the chickens. Or switching from a high-priced brand of layer to a low-priced brand of layer.

And if you buy treats like mealworms, you can save money by skipping them. Plain layer feed would be better than layer+scratch+mealworms (better in both cost AND nutrition.)