How to increase protein in scratch

[ChickenCanoe]

I had read that peas didn't have to be cooked. When they are included in a chicken feed, how are they cooked? I think Scratch and Peck and New Country Organics both have peas in their mixes.

Soybeans and other beans are roasted prior to joining the rest of the ingredients in the mill. During the milling process, most of the ingredients are heat treated either by cooking or micronization using infra-red radiation. That reduces the anti-nutritional factors and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP).
Relative to beans, peas do have lower levels of soluble NSP but peas still contain trypsin inhibitors which interfere with digestion and have an anti nutritional effect. The heat treatment is also beneficial in reducing the fungi naturally found in grains limiting the potential for molding in the resulting feed.

 

[Rattlerjake]

My 11 probably get about 2 cups of feed in the morning that is fermented (may not eat it all). Then on cold nights (maybe 4-5 nights a week) they get maybe 1 cup of feed with 4 eggs or a can of peas or 1.5 alfalfa cubes or a can of tuna (may not eat it all). Their favorite treats are bird seed (millet BOSS mix), meal worms and ground beef. I also grow fodder for them from wheat, the birdseed, lentils, and just recently barley. They free range usually about 3 hours 4-6 times a week. I don't know what they actually eat out there this time of year, but they scratch around busy, busy, busy! I did see one chicken get a big worm the other day. She was excited!

Why are you so worried about it? They are chickens, they are free ranging. Just mix the crappy feed with the feed you give them and feed a little less. It is not rocket science. Chickens will eat what they NEED! If they are getting plenty of protein from bugs and weeds, they will eat the corn, and if they aren't getting enough protein they will leave the corn until they need it. Stop being such a worrywort! In the winter they don't need as much protein, extra carbs help them keep their internal furnace warmer!

 

[eartick]

Scrambled eggs will add protein but you should be using bagged feed with a protein content if you want to push protein. Scratch is normally used as a filler, treat or a way a chicken will pick up needed grit for its gizzard.

 

[Sea Wolf]

The feed places I go to have no issues with returning something and exchanging it for what is right. I have even had bags of pelleted feed that was powdery and returned it. I have dogs and the chickens race to get at the kibble in the dog dishes if I haven't picked them up off the ground first. A small amount of high quality dog kibble won't hurt them but I would just return the bag and exchange it.

 

[Judi Gustafson]

I bought some scratch that wasn't what I thought it was It's Purina Organic Scratch with corn, wheat and barley and has 7% protein. What can I add to increase the protein? I don't know how much of what to add to make this better. I have those little alfalfa cubes. What else can I add? Canned/frozen peas, BOSS, scrambled egg, tuna??? And if possible can you give me an idea of how much to add per lb of scratch. I have been trying to figure out the whole protein percentages but I just can't get the hang of it.

 

[Judi Gustafson]

You could always soak it and add tuna or scrambled egg I guess...dunno.
That would add protein.

You are doing quite enough.

 

[Judi Gustafson]

Scrambled eggs will add protein but you should be using bagged feed with a protein content if you want to push protein. Scratch is normally used as a filler, treat or a way a chicken will pick up needed grit for its gizzard.

I don't like scratch. How much protein is in regular wiled bird seed?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't like scratch. How much protein is in regular wiled bird seed?

About 7% CP but some amino acids are missing almost completely.