Homemade feed

[gagerohne1]

Based on that mix, it sounds like you are low on lysine and methionine - two amino acids that chickens need. You can buy both online to supplement. They usually come in powder form and may be marketed for other animals (cats, horses, etc). If these are layers, you'll need a calcium supplement as well but oyster shell is easy to find.
You also may need a boost for the vitamins A & D and I do not know where that mix stands for B vitamins.

Good luck!

this is very helpful, do you know any natural plants that would be sources of theese?

 

[Foristers]

this is very helpful, do you know any natural plants that would be sources of theese?

Pumpkins should be widely available on the cheap this time of year. Brassica leaves (raw): collard greens, broccoli plant leaves, cauliflower leaves, kale, etc.

I am going to be honest with anyone wanting to try to mix their own feeds. Yes it can be done, especially with heritage breeds. Yes chickens of the past have lived off of much less than what we provide them with today, as far as nutrition. But you you cannot expect the same results as someone that is feeding their chickens a scientifically mixed ration. The egg laying capacity will not be the same.
Most people (that try mixing their own feed)are going to fall in to 1 of 2 camps: 1) You make up some mix and take whatever egg producing results that you get. You take whatever healthy chickens you get and you go with it. You tell people, "Why I have been feeding my chickens _____ for years and they're just fine". or 2) You expend great effort and energy (and cost) to try to master the perfect blend that still gives you an egg every 26-28 hours out of each chicken and thick shells, bright yolks and healthy chickens doing it.
It can be done, I am sure of it, but I don't have the time nor intel to do it all myself.
All I try to do is mitigate the costs of feed by supplementing free food that I grow or collect seasonally. I admit that it is difficult and constantly changing. You will have to read through many poultry nutrition scientific journals to get a better understanding of all the nutrients that they need.
Nutritional needs also vary by age of the chicken, purpose (meat bird, egg layer, dual-purpose), breed of chicken, heritage breed, and seasonally.
You try things out and see what works.
Good luck!

 

[greggooo]

Chickens require balanced nutrition that you will get from manufactured feeds that contain the proper amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals..
Egg production, health and behavioural problems will most likely be your issue....

Best wishes.

What's your favorite brand? Mine are getting picky with the Dumor Tractor Supply brand...

 

[chickens really]

What's your favorite brand? Mine are getting picky with the Dumor Tractor Supply brand...

I'm Canadian so I use Pro-Stock...I am not familiar with American feed...

 

[greggooo]

I'm Canadian so I use Pro-Stock...I am not familiar with American feed...

I'll look into that, if it's in the states.

 

[chickens really]

I'll look into that, if it's in the states.

I do not think so?..