New to hens and curious about feed options

[mark1guy]

Hi everyone, I an new and looking for some advise.

I live in Newfounland Canada and I have access to large amounts of Kelp (Irish Moss) in the spring and fall of the year. I use it every year to fertilize my vegtable garden. Also each year we have large amounts of caplin that spawn and the beach each june. Caplin are similiar to sardins but in the northern hemisphere. Typically we lightly salt them and dry them for eating, good on the bbq with a beer. People fry them fresh too.

Could fresh water washed, then dryed kelp be used as a food suppliment. Also cloud the caplin be dried and ground up to be used as a food stuff for the hens. Caplin feed on similiar feed as the Atlantic herring, so it should be a good source of omega-3. I'm Assuming the same nutritional value as herring.

Also what else should be mixed with this as a food to provide a balanced nutritional diet for hens and eventually broilers?

There is also a shrimp plant in my community. Could the processed shrimp shelled be dried and added to their feed as any benefit? Calcium? Glucoseamine? Protein?

Thanks

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Not really sure about your food questions. Kelp is given as a supplement for the minerals. The fish should be good. And I have read recently about someone feeding their chickens leftover shrimp shells. Don't know if any would be a good regular food though.

Imp

 

[mark1guy]

Thanks

Also wondering about feeding hens purslane, it is a green that is really high in Omega-3. Apparently the highest of all terrestrial plant based sources. Also growns like a weed once established.

 

[elmo]

Yes, kelp is an excellent nutritional supplement. Countryside Naturals feed has it already mixed in. Here's a link that spells out how to use it:

http://www.holisticlivestock.com/organic_kelp.htm

 

[Imp]

Quote:
I googled Purslane and it seems to be one of those superfoods. (So I guess I won't be eating it anytime soon

) Sounds like it would be great for chickens. Couldn't find anything throwing up flag about it and chickens.

It seems it is high in oxalates and the ASPCA considers it toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Also of the 6-7 sites I looked at the pictures seemed different and saw warnings about being sure you eat Purslane not Splurge, which is toxic, looks similiar and grows together.

Imp- be sure of your identification and then try it. Let us know how it tastes.

 

[b.hromada]

As you will probably find out, chickens will eat most anything!!! I know that Kelp is very good for you. I'd imagine the fish as well. Like you say, rinse them in fresh water first. Let us know how it works out!

Oh, by the way

from S. Florida. Glad you joined us!

 

[Imp]

I just read in another thread that to be cautious feeding lots of fish to chickens. May end up with fishy tasting eggs.

Imp

 

[mark1guy]

Thanks for the comments.

I realize I still need to feed the hens grains but I was hoping the caplin (fish) and kelp could help balance their diet. Grains are a little more expensive at this neck of the woods due to shipping in grains and no farmers that grow grains locally. Still the prices are not to extreme.

If anyone has any ideas of blends of different feeds/grains it would be greatly appreciated.

Also can I use sand as a replacement for grit.

Thanks and hello everyone