Feed Nerds! Opinions wanted re: whole grain feed recipe

[Double Kindness]

Perchon chick- which farmers market do they bring it to? I had been getting seeds/grains at wardel's, but then I thought, idk what I'm really doing, so until I do, atm my chickens get organic non gmo corn/soy free all flock feed pellets (rooster in the henhouse lol) & my meaties (dp straight run chicks) are on 26% protein gamebird feed. My teensy weensie are on medicated chick starter, and I ferment their feed, but offer them non fermented once in a while, and supplement with lots of SPROUTED boss seeds, dandelions, herbs, grass, marigold petals, some birdseed b/c they do enjoy treats, but it seems like they poop out the seeds whole.

 

[Percheron chick]

Last year they did Louisville, Lafayette, Cherry Creek and one of the big garden centers. I know they are not doing L and L this year. I haven't spoken to them since last fall so I don't know that they are doing now.

 

[centrarchid]

Nutrient profile recommendations based on formulations where ingredients highly ground and otherwise processed to enhance nutrient availability. When going all plant based feed-stuffs, especially with intact grains, I would go even higher on protein to counter digestibility issues. You might be able to divert a portion through fermentation route ti increase nutrient availability. If possible watch for birds showing preference. BOSS already noted as high. Sustained I would not go higher than 10%.

 

[Double Kindness]

Hmm. Much to learn! I just give some seeds as a treat these days after they eat their ff, greens etc, in the evening time after their feeder is empty.

Around 11 in the morning I give them sprouted boss, marigold petals, dandelion leaves, grass, apples from my neighbors yards, sometimes they like herbs sometimes only dandelion leaves will be eaten. My bf plays chicken savings and loan, where he feeds them big dandelion leaves one at a time like a dollar bill exchanger.

We've been to the farmers market at cc mall. I'll have to look into that.

I'm thinking I might get a food mill grider attachment for my kitchen aid mixer, would that be better for making my own feed with seeds/grains?

After I caponize I was thinking of changing my meaties over to oats soaked in raw goats milk, is there any experience with that with dp breeds?

 

[bootsNbirds]

Nutrient profile recommendations based on formulations where ingredients highly ground and otherwise processed to enhance nutrient availability. When going all plant based feed-stuffs, especially with intact grains, I would go even higher on protein to counter digestibility issues. You might be able to divert a portion through fermentation route ti increase nutrient availability. If possible watch for birds showing preference. BOSS already noted as high. Sustained I would not go higher than 10%.

Ok, I will adjust the recipe for reduced BOSS. Any suggestions for a replacement grain for the 15 lb difference? Or does anyone have a good source for fish meal? I can't seem to find any near me, but would be willing to order online if not too expensive.
Do you think going with crimped oats instead of whole would make a difference in digestibility? My feed store has both.

 

[bootsNbirds]

What about raw peanuts or proso millet as feed?

 

[centrarchid]

Ok, I will adjust the recipe for reduced BOSS. Any suggestions for a replacement grain for the 15 lb difference? Or does anyone have a good source for fish meal? I can't seem to find any near me, but would be willing to order online if not too expensive. 
Do you think going with crimped oats instead of whole would make a difference in digestibility? My feed store has both. 

With respect to oats, I have only used whole as that was available as sidestream to our horse feed. Your local feed mill should be able to special order fishmeal. For me fishmeal is easy to acquire for research purposes and usual need for larger scale use is met by commercial feed manufacturer. As soon as you get into realm fishmeals you will be deviating from organic rules as I understand them. Another option for fishmeal is a 2.5 or 3.5 mm salmon starter pellet that is >44% crude protein. Monitor impact on egg flavor (from fish oil) as the feed might be higher than with fishmeals.


You have a different line of feedstuff options to work with as you avoid soybean and corn products. If I were make switch over to your formulation, then I would start with mine and begin switching out one ingredient at a time and watch for dips in egg production or changes in feed intake. I would also watch for cherry picking / avoiding certain ingredients which is more likely with whole grain mixes. The peanut meal you will have to explore yourself.

 

[bootsNbirds]

Quote: I haven't tried that yet, but I want to! @Double Kindness

 

[bootsNbirds]

Quote:
Ok, thanks for all the information. I'm thinking I might have to compromise on the corn & just get organic. Peanuts are expensive & difficult to find, and today's research seems to suggest that they spoil quickly. Lowering the BOSS really messed with the protein content.... *sigh* looks like more hours of phone calls and internet searches are in my future. LOL

 

[centrarchid]

Organic soybean products are available but cost will be high. Look into sunflower meals. I do not do more than 10% BOSS but that does not mean it will not work. I will go to 25% with corn and / or oats readily but do not do so with BOSS because of expense.