Has anyone experimented with different methods of feed in their flock?

[minou33]

I'm interested in hearing from experienced chicken keepers who have tried commercial pellets/crumbles, fermenting/sprouting, mixing your own feed, etc. and which you found to be healthiest for your birds.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

In an unusual approach, my neighbor processes mash feed for meat birds for a local university research program and gives me huge bags for free. So I feed my laying hens meat feed and so far so good. They free range and I give them several large handfuls of scratch daily to help balance the extra protein. It's been about 3 months. If I had the time of day I'd love to add sprouted grains in the winter. They have free choice calcium supplements.

 

[RumneyRoost]

I think everyone will have different ideas of what constitutes healthy.

I trust the veterinary nutritionists to design feeds that are carefully balanced and backed by research.
I chose to feed a crumb instead of a pellet because it takes them a little longer to eat and sift through which helps prevent boredom. I also like that it's all the same, so they can't pick through and only eat the tasty bits.

I don't have a rooster and all of my girls are laying, so I'm feeding an 18% layer crumb, with oyster shell on the side.

I limit treats, but at the same time I try to provide variety. During a heat wave they may get some watermelon or cucumber. In the winter when we have snow on the ground for 5-6 months I grow sprouts for them. I just started a mealworm colony as well.
They get excited for their food mixed with water, so quite often if I need to bribe them that's what I use.
I don't feed "scratch" at all.

 

[Sunshine_Chick]

I think everyone will have different ideas of what constitutes healthy.

I trust the veterinary nutritionists to design feeds that are carefully balanced and backed by research.
I chose to feed a crumb instead of a pellet because it takes them a little longer to eat and sift through which helps prevent boredom. I also like that it's all the same, so they can't pick through and only eat the tasty bits.

I don't have a rooster and all of my girls are laying, so I'm feeding an 18% layer crumb, with oyster shell on the side.

I limit treats, but at the same time I try to provide variety. During a heat wave they may get some watermelon or cucumber. In the winter when we have snow on the ground for 5-6 months I grow sprouts for them. I just started a mealworm colony as well.
They get excited for their food mixed with water, so quite often if I need to bribe them that's what I use.
I don't feed "scratch" at all.

If you're willing to elaborate on the sprouts, I'd be very interested! I've attempted, but failed - perhaps it's too hot where I am. Think I will attempt again IF we get a Winter this year.

 

[Sunshine_Chick]

I feed Purina Flock Raiser crumbles & also keep a bag of it as a wet mash in the refrigerator, so they have something cool to eat and I had been fermenting it, but found it brought flies in the Summer so the cold mash sort of makes up for that. I only use treats once in a great while. Mine are also free rangers.

 

[RumneyRoost]

If you're willing to elaborate on the sprouts, I'd be very interested! I've attempted, but failed - perhaps it's too hot where I am. Think I will attempt again IF we get a Winter this year.

I've only got six hens so I don't go too crazy growing sprouts. I use this set up
https://passtheplants.com/grow-sprouts-at-home/

A couple tablespoons of seeds will sprout to fill the whole mason jar in a couple days. I take a couple handfuls out for them for a few days, then start over.
You can grow different things. Mine is a mix of alfalfa, clover, lentils, and barley. I bought a 1kg bag (human grade, meant to add to salads and smoothies) for maybe $10, and two years later I'm still on the same bag.

 

[Sunshine_Chick]

I've only got six hens so I don't go too crazy growing sprouts. I use this set up
https://passtheplants.com/grow-sprouts-at-home/

A couple tablespoons of seeds will sprout to fill the whole mason jar in a couple days. I take a couple handfuls out for them for a few days, then start over.
You can grow different things. Mine is a mix of alfalfa, clover, lentils, and barley. I bought a 1kg bag (human grade, meant to add to salads and smoothies) for maybe $10, and two years later I'm still on the same bag.

Thank you so very much!!