Food Mills

[jjaazzy]

Most of us here on BYC are fond of somewhat higher protein levels than the minimums offered by layer feed - self included - and I can cite numerous studies in support of that position. But most of us have much smaller flocks and differing end goals for them. As I've pointed out many times when linking those studies, though the improved diet is better for our birds' long term health and overall condition, it is NOT cost effective. For people with four to ten mixed age, breed, etc birds in the backyard, the price differences don't add up to much, and are likely worth it to them and the pets in their vanity flocks. For people with special goals (such as my culling project) they may be worth it, but for scale production? The benefits don't currently exceed costs.

Right, I tell people when they purchase that there is a whole lotta choices in Chicken feed out there that they can explore and find what is a good fit for them.

 

[jjaazzy]

Speaking of restaurant waste, ask local schools as well. Our local elementary is starting to collect for our local conservatory here because as one employee stated "They we're sick of seeing kids take 1 bite of an apple and throw it away"

wow, so true, however although it is a good idea and certainly would have lots of goodies. I think I won't get into the general waste, I visited a pig farm once, they get restaurant garbage and let me tell you that is a smell you will NEVER forget! Same smell when I get my fly predators in the mail. I don't even like touching the cardboard box or bag they come in. Years ago, I used to get Pepperidge Farm old stock that was ok it, was still wrapped and edible Horses loved it. Holsum Bread too, I use to buy that, 20 cents a loaf I think..... Ahh the good ol days.

 

[ForensicNurse]

I was pretty impressed with this guy. Not sure if it suits your purposes

 

[jjaazzy]

I have watched that guy, I have not seen any videos lately thought he moved on to other things. I will watch this one. I did see a guys video I believe he was from Africa making feed with Moringa leaves. It was very interesting and says the Moringa is really high in protein an he uses it for feed for cattle, fish, chicken. Says he adds molasses and corn. I have to go now will look into it and try and post the other video I found. The one down fall is the grinder is so bloody noisy.

 

[sandburRanch]

Thanks Eagle343 that's the information I was looking for. I know corn on a whole now is considered too much sugar, the scratch is a great idea as it adds other seeds to the mix. I could add in some other things like whole oats, even sprouted oats, but maybe that's too wet and maybe rice bran.
I was able to reach out to a company who sells the feed mills, found on FB. I look forward to their reply, I hope that I can get some information from them. I would think they have example formulas in mind. I have to take everything into consideration as everything down here is expensive so have to really study it. My initial thought was to grind down my left over hay as a base and add to it that may still be an option.

If you'll feed a good grade of leafy alfalfa hay there is no need to grind it . They will pick every leaf from the stems . Put a flake of alfalfa on the ground and see how quickly they find it .