DIY layer feed

[4GardenChicks]

I'm about to start my 4 hens on an organic layer feed. They are right at 18 weeks. I keep grower crumble in their coop and they free range most of the day, so they're getting some protein. I'm looking at the Organic Scratch and Peck brand layer feed. However I'm wondering if it would be more economical to just buy the ingredients and mix my own? I'd appreciate any input from anyone that does this or has tried it. I'm new to raising chickens so I'm still learning! I am keeping my flock all natural.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I'm about to start my 4 hens on an organic layer feed. They are right at 18 weeks. I keep grower crumble in their coop and they free range most of the day, so they're getting some protein. I'm looking at the Organic Scratch and Peck brand layer feed. However I'm wondering if it would be more economical to just buy the ingredients and mix my own? I'd appreciate any input from anyone that does this or has tried it. I'm new to raising chickens so I'm still learning! I am keeping my flock all natural.

With Layer feed you want at least 16%---not sure whats in your organic scratch---check the label. For 4 hens---I sure would not gather everything needed to mix it----some ingredients will not last long when stored.

I mix most all of mine---not sure if its organic---haven't checked---I mix because some times I can have 200 to 300 layers. With just about 150 chickens of different ages right now I still mix but I have to mix 3 different types of feed(4 with the hog feed)-----with 3 different proteins as well as the layers get ground oyster shells added. It saves me about $4 to $5 per bag with several bags per week mixed. To save ALOT of headache I buy the supplement to mix in the ground corn.

 

[lazy gardener]

Unless you are going through a lot of feed as PD is, it is not at all economical to mix your own feed. And you run the risk of producing a sub optimal feed that will result in nutritional deficiencies that could be disastrous. If you want to provide the optimal nutritional benefit to your flock, consider fermenting your feed.

 

[Folly's place]

For most of us, buying bags of feed is much more cost effective and gives the birds a balanced diet all the time. When you have hundreds or thousands or millions of chickens, bulk ingredients can work very well. Mary

 

[Cindy in PA]

To make your own you would need all the grains & proteins, plus calcium & a vitamin premix to make the same as Scratch & Peck layer feed. Usually just cheaper to but the premade stuff.

 

[4GardenChicks]

With Layer feed you want at least 16%---not sure whats in your organic scratch---check the label. For 4 hens---I sure would not gather everything needed to mix it----some ingredients will not last long when stored.

I mix most all of mine---not sure if its organic---haven't checked---I mix because some times I can have 200 to 300 layers. With just about 150 chickens of different ages right now I still mix but I have to mix 3 different types of feed(4 with the hog feed)-----with 3 different proteins as well as the layers get ground oyster shells added. It saves me about $4 to $5 per bag with several bags per week mixed. To save ALOT of headache I buy the supplement to mix in the ground corn.

Thank you for that great info. May be easier for me to buy the premixed feed with only 4 girls.

 

[4GardenChicks]

Unless you are going through a lot of feed as PD is, it is not at all economical to mix your own feed. And you run the risk of producing a sub optimal feed that will result in nutritional deficiencies that could be disastrous. If you want to provide the optimal nutritional benefit to your flock, consider fermenting your feed.

I've read a little on fermenting. I will check into it further. Thank you!

 

[PD-Riverman]

Thank you for that great info. May be easier for me to buy the premixed feed with only 4 girls.

For Sure. Don't skimp on your layers----at least 16% protein.