Are there any supplements for chickens?

[neo71665]

They don't need it though unless they're not on a proper feed.

That.

 

[NanaK]

I've heard of the Cluck'n Sea Kelp and things like that, but they are EXPENSIVE!!! Are there any other supplements that have most of the same vitamins and minerals?

I keep my birds on a good complete feed something like Nutrena All Flock or Purina Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side. It has added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, everything they need. The only other thing I keep is a poultry vitamin/electrolyte mix. I only give this in times of stress like extreme heat or cold or if someone acts sick. It's not something I do often.

Since my birds do not free range they get some things from my veggie garden. We also built grazing frames I plant with different things that can grow up through the hardware cloth. They keep them nipped back but cannot scratch up the roots. In the cooler season I over seed with cool season grasses. I have just scooped up some lawn (mostly wild grass and weeds) and plugged it under the frames. Just be careful with purchased grass seed as some is treated with stuff that may NOT be good for birds.

I grow black oil type sunflowers. When I cut my sunflower heads I save a few seeds for planting next year and give some to the birds by sticking the stems into the fence. Just not too many at one time. Sunflower seeds are very high in fat and protein. Too much is not good.

Here are some of the girls enjoying the buffet. Many go to the frames in the morning before going to the feeders! Not always sunflower heads there.

 

[buckock]

I purchased a vitamin (VTM) premix (30 lbs is $70 plus $30 shipping). A 30 lb bag treats 2000 lbs of feed. I'm using a hammer mill and local grains to mix feed and soaking it for them. The premix is good for about 6 months which will be about right with 80 chickens. I'm also giving them free choice to commercial pellets as I can't be 100% on the analysis of my feed.