Need help deciding which feed to get.

[Vermont Poultry]

More info than I expected. Thanks!

 

[Vermont Poultry]

Looks like you're in VT so you could go "local"...

I normally use Green Mountain Feeds (GMF) grower pellets for all of my birds with oyster shell on the side to let the birds decide how much calcium they want. I got a deal on craigslist for 3 bags of GMF soy-free layer pellets (3 bags for $30

) so they're getting that right now. I use the GMF grower/starter mash for all of my fermented feed. I keep 4, 1/2 gallon jars of that going at all times. My 11 birds go through about a jar per day. They love the fermented feed so much that they don't put much of a dent into their dry pellets.

Looks like I'm going to have to learn how to ferment food. I also have 2, 5 gallon buckets of red and white wheat, will be sprouting that too. Think the birds are bored of eating snow and pellets. I have been mixing in Guinea Fowl Starter, in their feed for now because its all I got. They peck every little crumble out with the pellets left behind. I went to check if they had Green Mountain Grower, which is the brand I have been purchasing from, but they were out of stock. 3 bags for $30 bucks seems more than a steal.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Looks like I'm going to have to learn how to ferment food. I also have 2, 5 gallon buckets of red and white wheat, will be sprouting that too. Think the birds are bored of eating snow and pellets. I have been mixing in Guinea Fowl Starter, in their feed for now because its all I got. They peck every little crumble out with the pellets left behind. I went to check if they had Green Mountain Grower, which is the brand I have been purchasing from, but they were out of stock. 3 bags for $30 bucks seems more than a steal.

That was a deal from Craigslist, not GMF normal price.

My birds prefer crumble over pellets if dry. Check out the FF link in my signature line. I use FF only, not dry and all my birds seem to enjoy it. I do also free range. I am not concerned for boredom. But if I wanted to, I could probably toss out a handful of pellets or crumble just like people do for scratch and get the benefits of enjoying scratching for it but with the nutrition that is appropriate without hindering balance.

I spout barley right now as my research indicated it was the easiest with the least amount of complications and the max amount of nutrients of the easy sprouting grains. You can ferment those as well. I'm even under the impression they will sprout in the FF without sprouting first, but haven't tried. Right now I am looking into peas for their protein density but know they are harder to sprout without mold. So I may add those to my FF instead of growing as fodder. Which by the way my chickens all love as well.

In no way do I think my way is any better than anyone else's.... except for me. So even though I disagree with feeding too high of calcium or low of protein for non layers, I do understand that what works for me might not for others. So I just try to share what I know. But I am always willing to learn and consider another way. But still make the decision I feel is best for my flock and family. Just as I expect everyone to do! So no judgement or disrespect meant towards those who have a different way than me!

 

[Vermont Poultry]

We pay within the range of 40 dollars for 1 bag of GMF. For my guineas when I have them penned up because they fly right from their coop into the chicken coop (about 300 feet away) without touching the ground and immediately start terrorizing, so they get upset from being locked up, so I throw crumbles on the ground every so 10 minutes when I'm outside which keeps them entertained. Chickens seem to like looking for crumbles more than pellets too. People say they prefer pellets because it reduces waste when you throw it out on the ground for the chickens. but they pick up every crumble I toss out.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Wow, glad I didn't get guineas!

For me pellets were more wasteful because my birds didn't like them. Perfect example of how what works for some doesn't for others.

What is your guinea starter? A game bird starter, just more protein? The flock Raiser MIGHT work for them as well.

 

[Vermont Poultry]

I had them on chick starter 24% protein and switched them over to layer pellets, feed store told me they can eat layer pellets, but I'm going to stop feeding them that. Probably going to feed them poultry grower with chick starter mixed in.

 

[Vermont Poultry]

The guineas just scratch the pellets on to the floor and don't eat them, exactly what my dog does to her food.

 

[Noreaster Egger]

We pay within the range of 40 dollars for 1 bag of GMF. For my guineas when I have them penned up because they fly right from their coop into the chicken coop (about 300 feet away) without touching the ground and immediately start terrorizing, so they get upset from being locked up, so I throw crumbles on the ground every so 10 minutes when I'm outside which keeps them entertained. Chickens seem to like looking for crumbles more than pellets too. People say they prefer pellets because it reduces waste when you throw it out on the ground for the chickens. but they pick up every crumble I toss out.

Our local Agway has organic, grower GMF for $30. The layer is a few bucks less...I assume because of less protein content.

I'm on the fence about soy in the feed. I wish Green Mountain had a soy-free grower. At least all of the soy my birds are getting is being lactofermented. I'd assume they get some kind of vitamin K2 boost from it, but probably not to the extent of natto.