Can I mix my own feed?

[armyturner]

I live in a large farming community and for a living, myself, my brother, and my dad work on farm machinery. Due to this, we have good relationships with many of the local farmers. I can buy corn, wheat, rice, milo, oats, and peas from the farmers right off of the combine for market price, which is considerably less than the price that you pay at the feed store.

I would like to buy a small grist mill and mix my own feed but but I am not sure what other supplements I would need to add. Who here makes their own feed and would have some suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Wifezilla]

I don't make my own feed, but if you can get the information, it sounds like a good idea. Not only will you save money, but you will know when the feed was mixed and EXACTLY what went in to it.

 

[luvmygirlsinAK]

Sure you can mix your own feed! Just make sure it has the proper amount of protein in it if you want eggs in the winter. (You also need 14 hrs. a day of light) I mix my own feed but include layer pellets, but when I am done with the pellets, I will be mixing mine straight-it is cheaper that way, and that makes me in control of my chickens health, and ultimately, mine as well.

I add Spelt, (high in protein) hard white wheat, oats, alfalfa, (high in protein) coconut chips, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, (all three high in protein) cayenne pepper, comfrey, molasses flakes, kelp, etc, and oyster shell grit along with rock grit (they need the oyster shell for egg shell hardness, and the rock grit to help grind up the whole grains in their gizzards. They also need lots of fresh water. I have read on several sites that even 3 to 4 hrs without water affects egg production, so it is important not to let the water freeze or run out.

I also give them trimmings from my meat that I am cooking for the day (raw or cooked) and leftover scrambled eggs, lettuce, sprouted grains, etc from the kitchen. They produce eggs very well with this type of diet.