Books On Feeding Chickens?

[chsfairy2007]

Hi, all. I'm looking for some good books on how to feed chickens. Ever since I had to pen up my hens (they used to be free-range until my neighbors quit feeding their dogs...), their eggs just aren't as wonderful. I'm afraid they are not getting what they need, and the few books I have now are too vague. I was hoping some of you experts could recommend some really nice, in-depth books. It would be much appreciated!

Katie

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

I can privately recommend so older books that were used in college type courses
email me PM and will furnish the names of them

 

[digitS']

Welcome to BYC, Katie

!!

If I'm understanding this right, your chickens got lots of good stuff free-ranging and now they are restricted to commercial feed. You'd like some ideas on what they could eat that would supplement that.

First of all, there's a link to the "Treat Chart" at the top of this forum. There's lots of things that chickens will and can eat in moderation that certainly won't do them any harm.

I'm no expert but there was one about 100 years ago who wrote a book called "Feeding for Eggs." That little downloadable booklet (pdf) can give you some ideas on what farmers could feed their flocks at a time when there almost weren't any commercial formulas available. You can download it thru Oregon State University.

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University


Steve

 

[chsfairy2007]

Thanks, Glenda. I just sent you a PM. :3

And yeah, digitS', my hens just aren't getting what great things they did while foraging on pastures. I've just looked at the "Treat Chart," and I actually already feed most of what is on the list to my hens. I eat organic food, so they get a lot of healthy vegetable, fruit and grain scraps. They LOVE polenta! It wasn't on the list, so I thought I should mention that. They eat it quicker than grubs. Still, I did learn some new things from the "Treat Chart," and what I shouldn't give them. Thanks!

I've also downloaded the "Feeding For Eggs," and reading it as we type. This should really come in handy. Especially now, since I am trying to switch my hen's feed to my own organic mix. Much appreciated. Oh, and thank you for welcoming me to BYC! Happy to be here!

Thanks,

Katie