Hops and Malts?

[IndigoChicken12]

My dad has a friend who runs a brewery, and has offered to give us his left over grains (hops and malts) for free. He says he feeds it to his chickens, but I was just wondering if it had enough of the stuff laying hens need. Thanks for your input!

 

[Habibs Hens]

i wish i had free malt an hops given to me for my chicken

i would mix with layers pellet

well not mix but allow them to have both

 

[IndigoChicken12]

But is it ok to give them the grains as a substitute for layers feed? Thanks.

 

[Percheron chick]

You can use it as a treat or to extend the layer ration but don't give it as a sole feed. It is high in protein, low in Ca, high in P (you would like 5-7X more Ca than P), moderately high in calories and fat. Hops tend to be the least preferred of the brewery grains.

You can freeze blocks of it as a summer treat but limit it to about 2 oz per day so they don't fill up on it and skip the layer.

 

[thedollysmama]

I feed out spent grain at a higher rate than 2 ounces per day. The chickens get a small dab of layer pellets am and pm, like 8 cups, and free range the rest of the time. I am using it to fatten up broilers, give some to the youngest chicks successfully, and all are thriving.
I am getting about 150 gallons a week and am going to start drying some on old window screens so I can have some in reserve, just in case. FYI, I also feed it to goats, sheep, and horses with much success. The rabbits either love it or hate it.
It's a great resource!