Enhanced Protein Feed - Winter?

[CatWhisperer]

I agree with supporting local businesses. But local manufacturers will change up their ingredients batch to batch depending on availability and cost and are more likely to be inexact with vitamin/ mineral add-ins. Something I have learned being a veterinarian for 30+ years. Nutrition is one of my interests. Do not take this as advocating for Purina, etc., their diets are less likely to change over time due to stricter controls. Just be aware.

 

[NNYchick]

It’s my understanding that all feed companies change ingredients by pricing to keep cost consistent for the consumer. That is why you see animal protein, grain products, plant protein etc on tags but they must meet the guarantee analysis. I have noticed the feed mill in my area doesn’t put tags on the bags except one with the information provided by law but if you ask they will give you a print out of the complete list ingredients and analysis, when I asked why it wasn’t on the bag they said it helps keep cost down.

 

[Ted Brown]

@CatWhisperer

Both of the tags have a date or date code stamp that I assume is put on at the time of manufacture. Perhaps I am naive but I have to take the information as accurate as I do not have the ability/capability/interest in verifying it.

I also believe that companies that misrepresent such information would not be in business very long as the consequences on animals that are being fed would show deficiencies in relatively short order.

The responses to this thread have been wide ranging, most often useful but sometimes divergent in opinions. I am a newbie in the chicken keeping activity (less than four months) and am doing the best I can to research and ask questions so I can provide appropriate care to my birds. Already some aspects of their nutrition (eg. amino acid content) go beyond what is easily available information. Adding to that suspicions about local businesses is not something I will entertain.

 

[NNYchick]

@CatWhisperer

Both of the tags have a date or date code stamp that I assume is put on at the time of manufacture. Perhaps I am naive but I have to take the information as accurate as I do not have the ability/capability/interest in verifying it.

I also believe that companies that misrepresent such information would not be in business very long as the consequences on animals that are being fed would show deficiencies in relatively short order.

The responses to this thread have been wide ranging, most often useful but sometimes divergent in opinions. I am a newbie in the chicken keeping activity (less than four months) and am doing the best I can to research and ask questions so I can provide appropriate care to my birds. Already some aspects of their nutrition (eg. amino acid content) go beyond what is easily available information. Adding to that suspicions about local businesses is not something I will entertain.

You are doing a great job. Don’t get discouraged. I have been only raising chickens for 2 1/2 yrs and what I have found is everyone has their own way. Sometimes it can be frustrating to hear so many different points of view, every flock is different. You will find what works for you and your flock.
I just recently listened to this interview with poultry nutritionist it was really interesting to me and helped me understand a lot about chicken feed. It is long but broken up into 3 1 hour segments and he talks about different life stages feeding requirements, seasonal diet changes along with molting, common issues to look for if your feed is missing something and it’s easy to understand information. https://www.breedersacademy.com/ep35-interview-with-jeff-mattocks-about-poultry-nutrition-part-1/

 

[Chicken Heel]

Like most things in life including keeping chickens my philosophy is don't overthink things. Otherwise paralysis by analysis sets in.

 

[Ted Brown]

Like most things in life including keeping chickens my philosophy is don't overthink things. Otherwise paralysis by analysis sets in.

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

I decided about 18 months ago that I wanted to have an activity that would provide a challenge and interest as well as a practical outcome - keeping chickens fit the bill and I set out on that course.

I started by identifying a source of information (BYC) that would guide me on that course and I have used it very profitably.

I have several threads herein, the most significant is https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/authentic-woods-kd-knock-down-10-by-16-coop-build.1304202/. Prior to starting that thread I spent a number of months investigating coop design/build options together with predators/pest threats that I needed to be concerned about. A quick review of my build thread through it's completion will show that I am careful and thorough in preparation and execution.

Since the completion of the coop in middle September I have acquired seven ready to lay pullets (all now laying on a daily basis) and have incubated and brooded an additional eight chicks that are now ~6 weeks of age.

In these activities and over a two month period I had great participation by my sister and her husband and I would not have achieved what I have without their help.

I have turned my attention to the care and maintenance of the fifteen birds and intend to apply the same care and preparation as I did to the design/build process.

"Paralysis by analysis" does not characterize the way I pursue my interests.

 

[Chicken Heel]

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

I decided about 18 months ago that I wanted to have an activity that would provide a challenge and interest as well as a practical outcome - keeping chickens fit the bill and I set out on that course.

I started by identifying a source of information (BYC) that would guide me on that course and I have used it very profitably.

I have several threads herein, the most significant is https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/authentic-woods-kd-knock-down-10-by-16-coop-build.1304202/. Prior to starting that thread I spent a number of months investigating coop design/build options together with predators/pest threats that I needed to be concerned about. A quick review of my build thread through it's completion will show that I am careful and thorough in preparation and execution.

Since the completion of the coop in middle September I have acquired seven ready to lay pullets (all now laying on a daily basis) and have incubated and brooded an additional eight chicks that are now ~6 weeks of age.

In these activities and over a two month period I had great participation by my sister and her husband and I would not have achieved what I have without their help.

I have turned my attention to the care and maintenance of the fifteen birds and intend to apply the same care and preparation as I did to the design/build process.

"Paralysis by analysis" does not characterize the way I pursue my interests.

Understood and good luck with your chickens. It is a wonderful endeavor to undertake.

 

[NNYchick]

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

I decided about 18 months ago that I wanted to have an activity that would provide a challenge and interest as well as a practical outcome - keeping chickens fit the bill and I set out on that course.

I started by identifying a source of information (BYC) that would guide me on that course and I have used it very profitably.

I have several threads herein, the most significant is https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/authentic-woods-kd-knock-down-10-by-16-coop-build.1304202/. Prior to starting that thread I spent a number of months investigating coop design/build options together with predators/pest threats that I needed to be concerned about. A quick review of my build thread through it's completion will show that I am careful and thorough in preparation and execution.

Since the completion of the coop in middle September I have acquired seven ready to lay pullets (all now laying on a daily basis) and have incubated and brooded an additional eight chicks that are now ~6 weeks of age.

In these activities and over a two month period I had great participation by my sister and her husband and I would not have achieved what I have without their help.

I have turned my attention to the care and maintenance of the fifteen birds and intend to apply the same care and preparation as I did to the design/build process.

"Paralysis by analysis" does not characterize the way I pursue my interests.

I haven’t had a chance to read the whole thread but I love your coop. I am a Fresh Air Poultry believer as well. I really like the woods coops that was my vision for my coop but my miscommunication to my husband and lack of pictures lead to it not being correct woods coop but if I can ever get him to build me another it will be a woods. I’m going to try to talk him into a bachelor pad for my roosters.
I too like researching my new hobby and don’t find it paralyzing to have a lot of choices to look at and do what works for me.
The last 2 years I’ve spent looking at how I want my coop, nutrition, and chick care and have found awesome practices on here like brooding in the coop with mama heating pad. Some failures too like fermenting feed I lost 3 chickens to that adventure then I researched it more and found the science doesn’t match the hype. But that’s just my opinion.
My newest adventure in this hobby is learning genetics and breeding for exhibition and eventually showing my birds.

 

[Ted Brown]

@NNYchick

Thanks for your coop comment, The thread went on longer than I imagined and probably does not fulfill my original goal (let folks know that it is possible to build a great coop for a reasonable amount of money) but I enjoyed documenting the process while it was underway. BTW We have just gone through some -12C/10F days here and so far both my older pullets and 6 week old have done well WITHOUT any added heat so Woods' approach does work.

I am interested in your comment on fermented food, I am digging to learn more about it and would appreciate any "science" based references your could provide.

 

[NNYchick]

@NNYchick

Thanks for your coop comment, The thread went on longer than I imagined and probably does not fulfill my original goal (let folks know that it is possible to build a great coop for a reasonable amount of money) but I enjoyed documenting the process while it was underway. BTW We have just gone through some -12C/10F days here and so far both my older pullets and 6 week old have done well WITHOUT any added heat so Woods' approach does work.

I am interested in your comment on fermented food, I am digging to learn more about it and would appreciate any "science" based references your could provide.

This is just my opinion I only found a couple studies for poultry, nothing showed decreased feed consumption or better growth or egg production yet. I do believe that pre and probiotics are very important. I just think there are safer methods to provide it like supplement for water or feed top dressing or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt once in awhile. My chickens actually like a treat of kefir mixed with a little crumble.