Are there any alternatives to commericial crumbles for my hens

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

A lot the people that I sell fresh brown eggs to, really want to know that they are getting a natural diet. They don't necessarily need to have organic. I have been giving my hens scratch grain with some extra whole oats both of which I can get fairly cheap. They are free range and even lay pretty well in the winter but I'm wondering if there is some formula out there for homemade feed that I could make myself and even use to start chicks on. or if anyone knows of a natural supplement to add to the scratch grain to add some more protien. Thanks A lot

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
You really should be feeding a Layer or breeder feed and using the scratch grain as a treat.
Scratch grain with some extra whole oats is low in protein and other nutrition your birds need..


Chris

 

[sjh]

You could use fertrells Poultry Nutri-Balancer. They have a recomended formula of corn, soy meal, oats and alfalfa meal. I have not used it so I can not say how good it is.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
Hubbard Homestead Layer feed is an all-natural feed that will meet the needs of your hens.

Jim

 

[ohiobranchofchickenranch]

Well I appreciate the feedback...but it really isn't an alternative that I can make to commercial feed I have had some really good results with my free range hens when all I give them is scratch grain or whole oats I actually spread in right on top of the bedding in the horse pen they keep the bedding from getting wet and nasty by turning ity over in there chicken way. Hopefully they will keep laying and when I start raising and feeding some meal worms they will lay even better then I can respond to this kind of request with "Feed scratch grain and meal worms and you will have a good laying flock for almost no input cost

 

[chookchick]

If your chickens are free-ranging, and the ground is not frozen solid, they can make up any nutrient deficiencies that they might have. I would still keep the scratch down somewhat if it is mostly corn, as that is a very attractive, not so healthy food for them. If for any reason you cannot free-range a good part of the day, they need to have a very well-balanced ration. There are many recipes out on the internet for making your own, and it is not super easy (especially for a small flock). Scratch grains and meal worms will not be sufficient if they are not free-range.

 

[familychickenman]

I have been feeding a mixture of oats, wheat, corn, and barley all sprouted as well as some fishmeal and brewers yeast. I also make grass silage from lawn mower clippings and feed that thru the winter.

 

[canada-goose]

Greener Pastures Farm has a good recipe: http://www.greenerpasturesfarm.com/ChickenFeedRecipe.html Very nutritious.