Additional protein source

[crystal1957]

I've read that sunflower seeds are a great additional protein source. Can I give them black sunflower seeds in the shell or should they not be in the shell? Can I buy a bag of sunflower seeds for wild birds? Will they need more grit?

My laying crumbles are only about 16% protein--should they be getting a source that is 20%. They are eating feathers on the ground and someone told me to raise the protein.

Any advice would be great. Thanks!!

 

[ranchhand]

Hi!

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Yes to the whole sunflower seeds- most folks refer to it as BOSS- black oil sunflower seed.

Additional sources of protein are are higher % feeds, but how old are your chickens, what kind, are you free feeding, are they too crowded, etc? Are they molting?

A lot of the time you can supplement protein by feeding them scrambled eggs!

 

[gritsar]

I buy the kind of sunflower seed intended for wild birds, but it is the black oil, not the striped kind.
Eggs, yogurt, cheese are also good sources of protein.
These past two weeks my chickens have been slowly feasting on a bag of high quality dry cat food that my cats refused to eat (spoiled beasts!). Some say not to feed cat food, but I've see no problem with giving it in moderation.

 

[GardeNerd]

Quote:
My feed store sells black sunflower seeds for chickens by the pound. My pullets eat it with the shells on. They do have free choice access to grit.

Bugs are another good source of protein.

 

[lane-h]

I hung a bug zapper over my chickens run. Its the first place they go when I let them out of the coop in the morning.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Now that's is a very clever idea!