How to increase protein in feed?

[mylilchix]

I've recently found an organic, corn free, soy free layer feed. The only problem is it's only 15% protein. How can I add more protein to the feed? I'd like to go corn free, but 15% seems way too low.
Thanks, Sonja

 

[Hishigata]

You could try adding nuts. My chickens love pecans.

 

[Percheron chick]

grasshoppers. I spent a lot of time in the yard today and they are starting to emerge.

but seriously, sunflowers. They are about 28% so just a treat as scratch will go a long way. You can also add some flax (32%) or alfalfa leaves and fines (18%)

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Does the same brand sell a starter also? You can always feed a starter instead and add a separate calcium source. If the starter protein is higher than you like it may be easier (and cheaper) to mix grains to lower the total percentage rather than try to raise a layer.

I feed a 20% corn and soy free starter and supplement with barley/wheat/BOSS fodder mix.

There is always mealworms and cooked egg also. BOSS unsprouted is 16% if I remember correctly.

 

[mylilchix]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I didn't ask about a starter. I'm heading to the feed store today, so I'll have to see if they can order the starter too. My son recently did n assignment about corn in our food. It was amazing to see how many things he couldn't eat to go corn free for a day. It made me said that our eggs were on the list. Time for a change!

 

[Arielle]

My birds get 15% CP feed-- remember the layers eat a HUGE amount of food compared to a bird that is not laying. She ramps up her intake to go along with the egg output.

 

[Going Quackers]

Do they make a grower? my ladies are still on the same 18% they have been on since the get go, it's a multi purpose type feed... i just give them oyster shell, we still haven't made the switch to layer, they are basically hens now turning 1yo in June.

 

[mylilchix]

That's interesting with 15% being OK? I've had chicken friends tell me they should be on 18%. Come to think about it, most commercial crumble feeds are 16%. I really appreciate all of the advice. It's helped to make my decision!

Sonja