Eastern Tennessee Thread

[bairo]

tncknut

is there a promo code or something to use for free shipping. I looked at it and it does not seem to have free shipping

EDIT...
Forget it, I see it is only on the meaties.

 

[tnchickenut]

tncknut

is there a promo code or something to use for free shipping. I looked at it and it does not seem to have free shipping

EDIT...
Forget it, I see it is only on the meaties.

That must be my misunderstanding of their email... I thought it was all the breeds canceled.

 

[dncarr09]

Hey guys has anyone on here ever made thier own layer feed. I just wondered if it was better and cheaper than buying layer pellets at the TSC. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

 

[bairo]

Hey guys has anyone on here ever made thier own layer feed. I just wondered if it was better and cheaper than buying layer pellets at the TSC. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Not close to being cheaper better (yes), but here is a simple recipe (non-soy) which yields about 17.5% protein. It's funny you asked, I just did some recalculation and correction on this last night.



cracked corn 15 lbs 9% protein
field peas 25 lbs 25% protein
crimped oats 20 lbs 14% protein
whole wheat(red hard variety) 20 lbs 17% protein
sunflower(at least half black) 20 lbs 19% protein

 

[dncarr09]

Not close to being cheaper better (yes), but here is a simple recipe (non-soy) which yields about 17.5% protein. It's funny you asked, I just did some recalculation and correction on this last night.



cracked corn 15 lbs 9% proteinfield peas 25 lbs 25% proteincrimped oats 20 lbs 14% proteinwhole wheat(red hard variety) 20 lbs 17% proteinsunflower(at least half black) 20 lbs 19% protein

Well here's another question. I just read where someone said that roosters aren't supposed to eat layer pellets. That it has too much calcium. I have always just feed the layer pellets with some 20% chick starter mixed in. Are they not supposed to eat layer pellets? I had no idea.

 

[dncarr09]

Not close to being cheaper better (yes), but here is a simple recipe (non-soy) which yields about 17.5% protein. It's funny you asked, I just did some recalculation and correction on this last night.



cracked corn 15 lbs 9% proteinfield peas 25 lbs 25% proteincrimped oats 20 lbs 14% proteinwhole wheat(red hard variety) 20 lbs 17% proteinsunflower(at least half black) 20 lbs 19% protein

Thanks, for the info. I know where to get cracked corn. Where would you get some of this other stuff?

 

[stanglover2001]

Thanks, for the info. I know where to get cracked corn. Where would you get some of this other stuff?

The crimped oats I got mine at the Loudon Co Co-op.. they might have the sunflower seeds and wheat... but not sure exactly.

 

[bairo]

Quote: Ahh yes, the never ending debate.LOL

Technically speaking; Any non laying chicken does not need anywhere close to the amount of calcium in layer pellets. It is my pers. belief that even (most) layers dont need the amount of calcium in layer feed (the production high breeds probably do) Most have been getting along ok with feeding layer to roosters but I strongly suspect and studies have indicated that it does harm especially in the long term. Because of my situation of varying ages in the same pen all the time, I got used to using an all flock type feed and offering oyster shell free choice. This season is the first "entire" season that we did this and I never got one thin shelled egg (at least not thin enough to break picking it up) I would like to believe that the rooster is much better off for it. I know he grew better and looked better quicker than I have ever seen before. Some would say due to the extra protein in the all- flock, which is true as well. None the less he did not need the extra calcium. So here is my opinion..

1. Is there one perfect answer, NOPE
2. One perfect feed, NOPE
3. Better feeds or at least mixes for differing breeds / ages/ etc.. Probably?

My first choice is to do my own whole grain feed and or buy a pellet mill (because I am against soy as well).....not likely due to cost
My second choice is to do a custom program either using Purina flock raiser and free choice oyster shell -OR- half flock raiser and half layena. This season I am leaning towards doing a half and half mix. This will yield about 2% calcium and 18% protein...along with other nutrients balanced well for all ages north of 12 weeks old. Now if I was in this strictly for egg production and had all hi-bred egg layers that layed 6 eggs a week, then I would probably use a standard layer with more calcium. By next year as long as grain does not continue to go up and if I find a source for the products in my recipe, then I will probably move to whole grain with oyster shell free choice and a small back up portion of crumbles in the pan.

 

[bairo]

Blue seal used to make a "breeder" pellet that was about 2% calcium and 17% protein. I liked it really well but rarely got to NC to get any (closest distribute) They just recently changed their entire product line and dropped that formula anyway....so mute subject I guess.

If I could free range pretty much all the time? Then I would move to whole grain formula immediately. The cost would be easily compensated by reduction in feed from free ranging and the birds would be much healthier for it from the natural protein sources of yummy bugs and worms. Plus they would get plenty of grit which is of some concern with whole grain and penned up birds

OK.. I'm done now. I'll let you know when the book is out, LOL

 

[Lunar]

Question about the sunflower seeds....
I buy a 50# bag of black oil Sunflower seeds to fill my bird feeders. Is that usable? Or is there some special thing about the ones you guys are using for chickens? I get mine at TSC in the big orange bag. Sorry for sounding like such an idiot, just wanna make sure I don't feed mine something that might hurt them. Thx!