Blue Seal Backyard Basics for overwintering Chickens and Guinea Fowl?

MaineWoods

In the Brooder
Sep 7, 2017
5
5
14
Hello all,

I have used BackyardChickens for years as I planned and then built my coop and started my small free range flock of 3 Black Australorps 3 Rhode Island Reds and 5 Jumbo Guinea Fowl (for tick control) but I have never joined or posted until now.

I have been feeding my flock (now 5 months old) Blue Seal Multiflock Starter/Grower Pellets, they love the feed and seem to be doing well on it but I am thinking of switching. We live off-grid down a mile+ driveway that I am not going to snowblow this year. I expect to be snowed in November-March (last winter we had 7' on the ground, low temps around -28F). I will have a snowmobile to get in/out but I would like to stock up on feed (500lbs) before the snow hits. I am thinking of switching to Blue Seal Backyard Basics Layer to save some money but I don't know if it is a good idea with the Guinea Fowl - especially over winter when they cannot forage? I am planning on buying one bag to test first.

Specs on the feed here:
https://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/poultry/3550-backyard-basics-layer.pdf
 
Hello all,

I have used BackyardChickens for years as I planned and then built my coop and started my small free range flock of 3 Black Australorps 3 Rhode Island Reds and 5 Jumbo Guinea Fowl (for tick control) but I have never joined or posted until now.

I have been feeding my flock (now 5 months old) Blue Seal Multiflock Starter/Grower Pellets, they love the feed and seem to be doing well on it but I am thinking of switching. We live off-grid down a mile+ driveway that I am not going to snowblow this year. I expect to be snowed in November-March (last winter we had 7' on the ground, low temps around -28F). I will have a snowmobile to get in/out but I would like to stock up on feed (500lbs) before the snow hits. I am thinking of switching to Blue Seal Backyard Basics Layer to save some money but I don't know if it is a good idea with the Guinea Fowl - especially over winter when they cannot forage? I am planning on buying one bag to test first.

Specs on the feed here:
https://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/poultry/3550-backyard-basics-layer.pdf
The guineas need a higher protein than that. I would get them a game bird crumble or pellet, especially I winter when they cannot get additional protein from free ranging on bugs. I lived in rural SE Iowa and had trouble finding gamebird food that was over 22-23% at our local feed stores, but if you can find something like that, it's at least better than the traditional layer/grower chicken food. The higher protein content you can find the better, though, especially in winter when it's cold and nothing else is available for them to eat.
 
Hello all,

I have used BackyardChickens for years as I planned and then built my coop and started my small free range flock of 3 Black Australorps 3 Rhode Island Reds and 5 Jumbo Guinea Fowl (for tick control) but I have never joined or posted until now.

I have been feeding my flock (now 5 months old) Blue Seal Multiflock Starter/Grower Pellets, they love the feed and seem to be doing well on it but I am thinking of switching. We live off-grid down a mile+ driveway that I am not going to snowblow this year. I expect to be snowed in November-March (last winter we had 7' on the ground, low temps around -28F). I will have a snowmobile to get in/out but I would like to stock up on feed (500lbs) before the snow hits. I am thinking of switching to Blue Seal Backyard Basics Layer to save some money but I don't know if it is a good idea with the Guinea Fowl - especially over winter when they cannot forage? I am planning on buying one bag to test first.

Specs on the feed here:
https://blueseal.com/files/feeding-and-mgmt/poultry/3550-backyard-basics-layer.pdf

Welcome to BYC. Have you introduced yourself on the Maine thread? I caution you about laying in that much feed b/c it has a 6 week shelf life before the nutrients start to deteriorate. However, you ask at any feed store and they will tell you that it is good for 6 months. IMO, that is a self serving statement, which flies in the face of a published and well known poultry expert. I can't speak to the issue re: protein content for guineas. But, I use BS BYB layer, and am pleased with it. It saves me about $2/bag over their other product which has the exact same nutritional analysis. Only difference is a bunch of advertising hype, and a prettier bag. I wish the BYB came in other formulation besides starter and layer. Wonder if the starter has adequate protein for guineas? Do you have the option of beefing up your protein with some animal protein?
 
Thanks Lazy Gardener. I did not know about the Maine thread, I will check it out and introduce myself.

Good to know about the shelf life, I had not considered it. I will be storing the feed in my workshop which is heated and maintained at 50% humidity (long story), maybe that will help? I really worry about not having enough on hand in case the snowmobile breaks down or something goes wrong that prevents me from going into town or hauling the feed in. I guess I need to weigh the risk of the food deteriorating verses the risk of potentially not being able to get more until spring. I don't currently have any other protein sources for the guinea's in winter, next year I am planning to start the garden and a few more animals but pretty bare bones this year.

I found a university extension office that recommends 16% protein after 8 weeks, apparently only keets need the high protein food. If interested see:
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ASC/ASC209/ASC209.pdf
I am stating to think the BYB would be okay - after a test run.
 
Thanks GuineaPeeps, I have found a lot of information saying that 16% is okay for 8 weeks+ and that only keets need the high protein feed. But it sounds like you have learned otherwise? It does seem that 16% might be okay in a warm climate (such as where some of the 16% studies were) but that a higher protein might be needed in climates such as ours?
 
Agreed with B2R. Whole grains might be a good back up source.

Also, have you considered fermenting? It's a bit more difficult in the winter cold snaps, but I ferment year round. Fermentation adds extra B vitamins, increases Lysine and Methionine, thus making the feed you start with much more close to being a complete protein. Agreed, you need to balance the risk of being stuck without feed with the issue of being left with old feed.

If you were still concerned about protein for your guineas, the starter would be a good choice, and you could offer oyster shell on the side.
 

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