Another Rice Question

[farmchick897]

I have an unlimited supply right now of fried rice, white rice and those long thin noodles. Can I feed this to my chickens, peafowl, emus?? I've been feeding it to my dogs but I'm wishing I had pigs cause I have 3 five gallon buckets and need to do something with it. The chickens seem to like it but can I give them too much and will it affect egg production?

 

[math ace]

I am going to say YES it will effect egg production. Chickens need 14 - 17 % protein in their diet for egg laying. You find that pasta is not high in protein. Also, you have to worry about salt consumption - - - I am thinking specifically about the fried rice.

It is fine for a treat - - - but you are talking large quanities - - not treats.

 

[tcmstalcup]

try it and see if egg production drops. Seriously the chickens of our grandparents ate whatever was available. I feed day old bread because I have a free supply. Hens lay and are a good weight. They also free range, are given some layer ration and scraps. I never worry about salt and stuff. If I ate it-Its fine. They are livestock here though more than pampered pets.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If I had the much free feed available what I'd do is hang a tube feeder of some high protein ration such as Purina Flock Raiser or a game bird feed that the birds can have free choice access to them give them as much of the rice/noodles/whatever as they want. Birds can be pretty good at balancing their own rations if the high protein part of it is at all palatable. They'll need access to pasture or fresh green feed too.