Is this combination of grains good?

[PacsMan]

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Ok, this is kind of what the 'chicken farm' lady, where I bought my chicks said. She bought a bunch of cracked wheat becuase it was cheaper than laying mash. She said she used it as a filler because it was cheaper than buying the expensive stuff.

Said it didn't bother her hens too much. The lay fine.

Is it good to increase or decrease protein percentages a few weeks before they lay? And why?
Anyone?


Cally, I've read that sand is sufficient

 

[cybercat]

Not sure why anyone is feeding sand to their chickens for it is used only for dust bathing not a replacement for grit. Sand is too fine and not big enough to work as grit in thier crops.

Fish meal is something I Feel is not good for chickens but others feed it. Reason is chickens do not eat that in the wild and that is one way how I base ingridents to make food. But that is me so do not worry about it.

The problem with making your own feeds is you really need to read alot to do it safe. Going off balance will not show up fast but will in the long run and in ways you might not realize at the time. Chickens laying eggs every day need good calcium source and good protein. Depending on the breed some need more than others. A heavier set hen that is duel purpose needs 20% protien as an adult. Whereas a leghorn doen not for it is a smaller leaner chicken.

Many of those raising heritage breeds that are duel purpose are feeding over 20% to chicks till POL then coming down to the 20%. I suggest you take the time to read the back post here in the feeding section. You will get lots of great info. For those raise the heavy breeds ALBC has a good artical in the resources section on their site.

 

[frogs n chickens]

cally, I am so jealous, I got 4 light brahmas and was hoping one would be a roo, but alas all hens. I did get a beautiful white and black ee roo though. My understandin is that if you are going to use sand for grit, it must be a coarse grade like those use in construction. The play sand they sell in bags is too fine. Love to see pics of your roo. And are your chicks already laying?

 

[upthecreek]

Yes it's high in protein and no it won't make eggs taste different . Fish meal is what they used to use in making quality feeds but today they will not use it because it cost them to much !!! they had much rather use floor sweepings and soybean meal today and no one knows the difference - they just keep on using the same old junk


Quote:
Thanks!

Our feed store has chick starter, grower, and layer feed. I'm using grower right now, and will user layer in a few weeks.

But, I downloaded a spreadsheet that helps determine protein and fat content. With what I've got, I'm down to about 13% protein. Is fishmeal high in protein, and will it make eggs taste fishy?