Best feed for chickens that aren't free range?

[moonflower]

I may be a little bit nuts, but I'm used to that one,

But I have found that I don't like the taste of my egg whites that my chickens are laying and I am pretty sure it has to do with the feed that I feed them. I know that they would be better off being able to free range, but we have a chicken eater here so I can't let them out.
I am getting pretty confused with all that is available out there. I don't know if being in Canada has anything to do with the feed, but I'll throw that bit of info out as well.
Some one told me recently that grower finisher free range was a good feed to feed them cause it will help with the egg yolk and that will help with the taste. Are people pulling my leg? I sure could use some input from someone please...I want my birds to be healthy, but also can't afford a arm n leg either.

 

[johny]

If they can't safely free range, then bring the range food to them to supplement your commercial feed. Bring them grass clippings, garden scraps, melon rinds.

 

[moonflower]

Thanks Johny for answering me so quickly. I have been bringing them all kinds of fruit almost each day, and throwing them chickweed and grass as well as much as I can. I also changed their feed to 18% layer/breeder crumble to see if I can fatten them up a bit. When you say garden scraps, what do you mean?

 

[spottedtail]

Moving to the 18% Layer was a good move.

The Grower / Finisher sounds like a meat bird feed, which is not what you want for laying hens.

Look at the ingredients on the label. Animal protein should be on it. It is superior to Plant protein alone.

Feed them small amounts of grass clippings, bugs, sunflower seeds.
Your eggs should start to taste better soon.

spot

 

[Alaskaman]

Two words (table scraps) I have found chickens are great garbage disposables every morning table scraps go to the chickens.

JMA

 

[Sissy]

and good morning.
I feed mine purina pellets Leyena
but when I run out they get
and love it. (Purina Dry)cat food.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Do you mind telling us what brand of food you've been feeding? What are the ingredients in it? Specifically, what is the protein source in it and does it have any ingredients that aren't grain, vitamins or minerals? I know that the brand of feed or certain feed ingredients can sometimes effect taste. I'm just wondering if there might be something in your feed that's effecting your egg flavor.

 

[Lollipop]

Your laying hens should have a layer ration with around 20% protein. Commercial feeds are formulated for a balanced diet and feeding scraps delutes the nutritional value of their feed. I know everyone does it and it`s OK in moderation, but not large amounts. Grass clippings are also questionable as they have been linked to crop binding. Seems there is a big difference in the chicken pulling the grass and just picking up cut grass. Sissy wrote that she gives her fowl dry catfood. Also a big no no. Dry catfood is very high in protein and should only be used in very small amounts as a protein suppliment to their regular feed in stressfull times, like during their moult. Best to stick with a commercial layer feed and give free choice grit and oyster shell. Treats in small amounts. If you don`t believe it, do a search. Lots of info on these subjects.............Pop