Laying mesh and ground corn---question

[krv]

My sons and I have gathered a lot of corn that the farmers didn't get with their combine (they gave us permission). We are going to have it ground up and mixed with laying mesh. It will be 100 lbs. of corn mixed with a 50 lb. bag of laying mesh. Is this a good thing or not? It will save a lot of money doing it this way.

Thanks,
krv

 

[M@M@2four]

My neighbor across the street sells us ground up corn feed. We take about 40 pounds of that and mix it with a half a pound of layer pellets(we mix it and keep it in a large blue rubbermaid bin that has a lock seal to keep out moisture). It works well for us and we've been doing it for a long time. All my birds are healthy and lay well. Good luck!

 

[Colored Egg Farmer]

Ive done that a few times. Really cuts down on feed costs. Just make sure the corn is safe and they didn't have any pesticides in the field that may be left over.

 

[silkiechicken]

Might also want to mix in some vitamins, minerals, other essential nutrients that may be missing if you dilute them by 2/3 with corn. A way to increase protein back up to 16 may also help. I personally would use corn as a treat or something to finish off meat birds with if you plan on keeping the layers for more than a few years. Decreased minerals, protein, and other stuff can reduce production since it's not there to make eggs from. Plus, don't let the birds get too fat in the winter or they can build up fat deposits on their reproductive tract which can increase the risk of prolapse in the spring if they stop and start laying again.

However, do as you wish with the feed as 10 people will have 14 ideas and way that are tried and true to feed their birds. There are flocks out there that only get cracked corn as feed and otherwise have to fend for themselves, and flocks who get premium organic layer at a 20% protein content with extra minerals for feather conditioning.

If you could run half your flock on your mix, and half on just layer, and compare them at the end of winter, you'll be able to see which regimen works best for you.