I want to buy some bulk grains at the grocery store for this winter.

[countrygoddess]

Beans and such are on the toxic list for chickens, including things like avocados, onions and tomatoes.

Everything can be toxic in large amounts, even water. There are a few items that you should NEVER feed your flock (although, in my experience and opinion, chickens almost never will consume anything that isn't good for them), but many things, such as field peas and tomatoes, are just fine--and even good for them--in small to moderate amounts. Here's something interesting... http://www.ca.uky.edu/smallflocks/Factsheets/Natural_toxins_in_pasture_crops.pdf BTW, the Merck Veterinary Manual says small caged birds are more susceptible to the myocardial necrosis avocados may cause, and turkeys and chickens are more resistant. I've fed avocado leavings to my birds and they don't go wild for it. See? They just know...

 

[mbiondo]

I enjoyed your informative comments. I live in San Diego but have "natural food" stores that carry bulk grains. Sprouts, Henry's, Natural Foods, North Park produce. Are these things only here? Also feed stores, yummy..With seeds to sprout..I sprout right from the grocery store package, on paper towels, or a canning jar that is rinsed and drained every day. Good for humans too! Hello to all of you out there!

 

[cracked egg]

We really grow our own feed because of the cost of it these days. It doesn't take much effort to do and a gives the birds a place to hang out in that's safe from predators. I grow in alternating rows of different grains so as it ripen there is always a row of cover near by. I grow all this on about a 1/2 acre. Not only do the birds love it but the kids have their forts and stuff out in the jungle as well.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

We really grow our own feed because of the cost of it these days. It doesn't take much effort to do and a gives the birds a place to hang out in that's safe from predators. I grow in alternating rows of different grains so as it ripen there is always a row of cover near by. I grow all this on about a 1/2 acre. Not only do the birds love it but the kids have their forts and stuff out in the jungle as well.

How inspiring!

 

[BeccaSmith]

I kind of equate it to making my own chicken scratch....WinCo here in Boise sells a lot of bulk grains but there are so many different cuts and mixes, I wasn't sure what to get. They have whole dried peas, whole corn, cracked corn, barley, flax rolled oats, whole oats, tons of stuff....can chickens pretty much digest any form of grain? Or am I looking for some specific types?

Have you thought of looking into the Meridian Feed Mill for some of what you are looking for? Also perhaps D&B Supply? I was going to by wheatbran bulk by the bag (for raising meal worms for the chickens) at Fred Meyers since they have a bulk section. Then I checked out D&B Supply and they had a much larger bag for about half the cost. It always pays to shop around for prices.

 

[Bayside Chicks]

j just cooked up some of the soybeans and they are in love LOL what a huge difference that made!! the only feed the chickens didnt like, and after cooking the soybeans they are eating like champs

 

[LilyD]

I feed oats, wheat, cracked corn, field peas, black oil sunflower seeds (in the shell), and sesame seeds, along with the supplements: fish meal, kelp meal, active yeast, vitamin/mineral supplement, calcium, and salt. For the winter I will be adding alfalfa meal. I ferment/sprout for 24 hours in a mixture of water/cultured milk (as often as I can afford it, I use raw milk--it's what my family drinks). I get my grains/seeds from Butterworks farm, up in the Kingdom. You know what I was thinking about today, Lily? How does one start a feed business? I know nothing about starting businesses, but I would love to be able to provide soy-free feed in Vermont.

I would love to start up some good feed but I am in no way business savvy. We need to get better feed choices in the state until we can find something better I am thinking I will be using whole foods for my primary food source with sprouted grains that are organic and gmo free (for people) purchased online. I am finding that feeding them the homemade bakery food (bread, veggies fruit, cheeses and egg shells) they are doing amazing and feeling great. My girls that have been bare and featherless most of the summer have started getting their feathers back just now and are starting to lay again.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

The pasture our chickens are on belongs to our neighbors; they said we could put them out there. I've asked several times if they would consider selling (they sold the herd that was on it 15 years ago) but they keep saying no. They're afraid we'll build houses on it. I have told him we'll put a no development clause in the contract, but he still says no. =( I would so love to build a little barn, keep chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs... Maybe if I can get a cash down payment together and hold it in front of his nose, he'll bite. Or maybe I'll hold it in front of his wife's nose--she likes to shop!! =D

exact same thing here, its an estate, with a "no subdivide" situation. We have tried to pursue a few times and one of the 4 siblings put a stop on it. what a shame too, is already fenced for cattle! Has a huge pond with a natural creek. I just love the land...I will keep trying tho, they know me well enough now to realize we don't WANT to live next to a big subdivision lol!

 

[3riverschick]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/425134/anybody-raise-sprouts-to-feed-the-chickens/220
Here's a neat BYC thread. Pages 23 thru 29. Especially note the value of sprouted oats; Plotsike Forage Oats; feed vs forage oats ; and age of oats determining their feed function. We use Plotspike here at Waterford English Sussex with great success.
Best Regards,
karen in western PA, USA

 

[Susique333]

I have lived next to a soybean field for 28 years and have never seen anything intentionally eat soybeans, except for the leaves. The other year they sat there until almost Christmas & nothing touched them.

Where do you live? We were middle Iowa and the doves and other birds ate soybeans all the time. Here is an article that describes doves eating soybeans. http://www.ms-sportsman.com/details.php?id=288