I would like to preface this with letting you know I am always interested in other people's opinion and ideas and value feedback and input. We also care very much about our pets and do our research before making decision that impact their health.Now you know we all want to know what it was!!!
In a thread discussing winter feed and if you change or supplement feed in the winter, I wrote:
"I mix cracked corn into their feed during the winter. I combine 50lb of corn with 100 lb of feed. I store in metal garbage cans like the pic in the OP, and they hold the 150 lb of total feed. I do this for the chickens and our ducks. I do not change the feed though beyond adding corn. The chickens get the same balanced feed year round and the ducks are on meat bird year round with peas as supplement for niacin. The only other changes in feed are a lot of "treats" in the late summer and early Fall (now) because the scraps from cleaning the garden go to the birds. I like to think they are getting a lot of nutrition from the overgrown and overripe produce along with the weeds, some garden plant leaves and stems and the grass."
Another member quoted my post and wrote:
"You are cutting their Vitamins, Macro and Trace Minerals dramatically with this method. Plus you are altering the energy : protein ratio which will result in fat birds. Fat birds don't lay well when they return to production. Just stick with the complete feed and provide it free choice for them."
So I replied with:
"I appreciate the input, and respect your right to your opinion. I don't appreciate being told what to do though. You have a right to your opinion, but not a right to impose it on me.
I am happy with my birds putting on fat in the winter. That is actually the intent. I get plenty of eggs here in the Spring, Summer and Fall. The birds lay well in my opinion. And the added calories in their feed support biothermal energy transfer to keep my birds warm even in wind chills down to -40F here. They quickly shed that added fat in the Spring when the added corn is removed from their feed.
As for cutting vitamins, macro and trace minerals, my birds have access to feed constantly and are not dumb. If they need more feed, they eat it and leave to corn to the side. If they need calcium, they eat oyster shell. Also, their grit is a mineral based gravel that supports their health while aiding in their digestion.
As for, "Just stick with the complete feed and provide it free choice for them." It's high time you just stick with your opinion and leave me with my free choice."
.
