Deer feed plot seed...

[mamalindley]

Would these seed blends + added calcium make for a good chicken feed or a base for a homemade feed? I'm wondering because we have a ton I can get at cost @ work. One is a three way blend. I think wheat, oats, clover (I think). The other is a 5 way blend. I want to say it includes pea & rape as well. I can verify the exact blend tomorrow.

If I can use these as a base, what would I need to add to make nutritionally complete feeds?

 

[mamalindley]

Here is the ingredient list on both products...any help appreciated!

 

[mamalindley]

 

[chickens really]

Deer feed is for Deer.....Chickens have a complex system that requires proper nutrition in order to properly grow, lay eggs and live a longer life...Improper diet causes feather pecking, poor growth, obesity, lack of or slower egg production...disease...And death...

Cheers!

 

[junebuggena]

The biggest issue is that deer are exclusively herbivores. Chickens are omnivorous. They require a lot more protein than seed/grain diets can provide. I know that it is tempting to try and use something cheaper. But you aren't going to be providing your flock with everything they need nutritionally for optimum growth and production. Chickens require a precise amount of certain trace minerals in addition to approximately 13 amino acids, some of which must be synthesized or come from animal protein sources.
Sure you can feed them deer feed, and your flock will survive. But they won't be healthy and productive.

 

[lazy gardener]

If I had access to that stuff at cost, you can be sure I'd be using it! However, I would sprout it to use as a SUPPLEMENT to their regular processed feed during the lean winter months when greens are not available. Now, if you also can get access to free venison, and sprout your deer fodder, using both to supplement processed feed, you would be well on your way to an enviable flock diet. You can ferment your processed feed to give your flock even more of a nutritional advantage.

 

[Pendragonz]

x2 on what lazy gardener said. Great advice. Though venison is too tasty to feed to the chickens.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm thinking about old freezer burnt stuff.