Are there any layer feeds with animal proteins?

[Onslow's Hens]

Are there any chicken layer feeds that contain animal protein? Why are feeds ALL vegetarian? Chickens are not vegetarians so why are feeds now vegetarian? I don't get it!!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I think scratch n peck has fish meal. It's not available everywhere unless shipped though which can make it really expensive.

Pardon me, welcome to BYC! Adding location to your profile is useful over and over!

 

[Onslow's Hens]

Thanks! I am new to this whole posting thing. Will go to profile and try to update. I am on eastern shore of MD.
Yeah, I saw that feed - mega expensive . I feed Southern States All Grain Layer which I do like, eggs are really good. But, I am reading that hens should have animal proteins too.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Plenty to be said for why change what works!

But if you want to add a little something this is available at TSC. https://foragecakes.com/portfolio-items/farmers-helper-farmers-helper-ultrakibble/

Adds a little boost to regular feed. I've fed the chick version and they like it.

I also ferment a little scratch n peck and give them a bit a day for variety, which they seem to enjoy. It's affordable enough used that way.

I believe scratch n peck is fairly reasonable if you can find it local vs shipped.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know what feeds are available at your feed store, you may need to check around for other feed stores in your neighborhood. We don't always have a lot of options though without some pretty long drives.

Check the ingredients and analysis on various feed labels. You normally have two significant variables, protein and calcium. You'll find some variation in the other analysis items but usually not a significant difference. If you find a feed that has the right protein content but is low in calcium (probably a Grower) you can use that and offer oyster shell on the side. That's basically what I do, I never feed Layer.

Some feeds do contain animal products. On the Dumors that I use it's about the fifth listed ingredient on the label. Even that is not enough though. On the analysis portion of the label you'll see some strange stuff. Those are amino acids added to bring the levels up where they need to be.

If you wish you can raise mealworms or do something else to provide some animal products. Or maybe check out the brands website and see if they have a suitable product that is just not offered at that feed store. Maybe they will send a few bags of the good stuff along with their regular delivery at no extra charge to you. Talk to a feed store manager.

Even organic feeds are allowed to have animal products in them as long as they are not slaughter byproducts. The reason all those vegetarian products are out there is because that's what the managers at the feed store or feed store chain think their customers want.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Check your local independent farm and feed stores, and ask if they have feed with animal protein.
I can get a layers feed with porcine 20% Protein, from an independent store. I do not. I get a 18% layers pellets without animal protein that I'm very happy with, and my hens love it.
They don't carry the feed I use, but they order it for me. I call on Sunday and get by Wednesday. GC

 

[Onslow's Hens]

I checked all local places and they really only have the main stream vegetarian, low protein layer feeds. Ingredient lists are pretty sad! Can't even tell what is "really" in the feed because it says things like "processed grain products" and "processed fiber products" etc. That could be anything. And I read them all!
I want to feed my girls a good, well balanced diet that does not break the bank. I don't mean to sound el cheapo but I just don't understand why some of the whole grain feeds using Corn, Barley, Oats etc... cost well over 3 times what it costs if you buy each item separately and simply mixed it together in a big trash can. Seems that chicken feed is all FILLER junk ingredients with a complete vitamin/mineral added to it to balance it all out. I may just mix my own whole grains and use a completed vitamin/mineral supplement made especially for Laying hens. At least I KNOW what they are actually eating and since we eat the eggs.....what we are also eating!

Has anyone gone this route? I was looking at Fertell (sp?) vitamin/mineral supplement - any one have experience with that?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Look for show, breeder or game bird feeds....these more commonly have animal protein and the calcium of layer ration is easily supplemented to these

 

[Onslow's Hens]

So the only thing "layer" actually means is that the feed contains higher amounts of calcium? I offer oyster shell in a separate dish at all times. If I found a game bird or other "type" of poultry feed - would providing a separate dish of oyster shell be sufficient calcium for a large flock of layers?? I would rather get actual flock keeper advise than ask at a store or manufacture - they just say whatever it takes to get me to buy.

 

[Molpet]

I checked all local places and they really only have the main stream vegetarian, low protein layer feeds. Ingredient lists are pretty sad! Can't even tell what is "really" in the feed because it says things like "processed grain products" and "processed fiber products" etc. That could be anything. And I read them all!
I want to feed my girls a good, well balanced diet that does not break the bank. I don't mean to sound el cheapo but I just don't understand why some of the whole grain feeds using Corn, Barley, Oats etc... cost well over 3 times what it costs if you buy each item separately and simply mixed it together in a big trash can. Seems that chicken feed is all FILLER junk ingredients with a complete vitamin/mineral added to it to balance it all out. I may just mix my own whole grains and use a completed vitamin/mineral supplement made especially for Laying hens. At least I KNOW what they are actually eating and since we eat the eggs.....what we are also eating!

Has anyone gone this route? I was looking at Fertell (sp?) vitamin/mineral supplement - any one have experience with that?

@rjohns39 can help, might be awhile because he has been busy at work.. he has a mill mix his