Looking for ways to (inexpensively) feed our chickens. I have come up with a chicken feed recipe that will cost us very little because we have buckets and buckets (literally) in our basement that nobody in our family will eat. Here's what I have a ton of:
Rice (white and brown)
Beans (lentils, split peas, pinto, black, kidney, etc etc etc) (they are dry, I know to cook them before feeding to chickens)
Oats (rolled and quick)
Wheat
Popcorn kernels
I also plan on purchasing some brewers yeast and sunflower seeds, possibly peanuts as well, unless you experts think there is enough protein in the above list to not need any peanuts. My question is regarding calcium. My hens are all layers (or they will be in a month or two - they're 12 weeks now) and I know calcium is important. I have a TON of powdered milk downstairs we can't eat (milk allergies in several kids) is that a good source of calcium to add to the chicken feed? I also feed them about two gallons of milk a month, fresh, in a bowl. Between the two, is this a good source of calcium or do I need to add something else?
Opinions and suggestions on the basic feed ingredients are also welcome. I want them healthy and strong but without breaking our very meager bank. Please and thank you!
Rice (white and brown)
Beans (lentils, split peas, pinto, black, kidney, etc etc etc) (they are dry, I know to cook them before feeding to chickens)
Oats (rolled and quick)
Wheat
Popcorn kernels
I also plan on purchasing some brewers yeast and sunflower seeds, possibly peanuts as well, unless you experts think there is enough protein in the above list to not need any peanuts. My question is regarding calcium. My hens are all layers (or they will be in a month or two - they're 12 weeks now) and I know calcium is important. I have a TON of powdered milk downstairs we can't eat (milk allergies in several kids) is that a good source of calcium to add to the chicken feed? I also feed them about two gallons of milk a month, fresh, in a bowl. Between the two, is this a good source of calcium or do I need to add something else?
Opinions and suggestions on the basic feed ingredients are also welcome. I want them healthy and strong but without breaking our very meager bank. Please and thank you!
