Nutrition makes a BIG difference!! - PICS ADDED 09/02

[MIKE555444]

Here are some fresh pics of my flock yesterday:

 

[MIKE555444]

Here are some new Pics of my friends a few days ago:

 

[onwingsofdragons]

Quote:
They look a lot better!

 

[Wifezilla]

There are nutrients in corn, but as someone already noted there isn't enough protein. Plus nutrients that are in corn are not bioavailable unless the corn has been soaked in lime. People who relied on corn as a primary food without adding lime (or hard wood ash) developed pellagra.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellagra

 

[ChickInDelight]

I noticed that my 4 chickens (Purina + free range) are younger and started out smaller than the farm chickens, however, the farm chickens now look skinny by comparison.

I was ever so delighted to see that the farm chickens are now out free-ranging. I suppose the farmers decided since my chickens were surviving and thriving, perhaps it is not such a bad practice.

I believe the farm chickens were getting chicken feed. They get tons of fresh veggies from the garden whereas mine really do not. Before free-ranging, the farm chickens were kept on very clean concrete with a variety of perches and shelters.

I wonder how much of a chicken's condition can be attributed to excersize and mental activity.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
it says people, would that still mean the same for animals? I do mix 7 way scratch in with the FlockRaiser I feed my chickens, ducks and goose, ...

 

[chefchick]

Mike- What particular brand of food do you give your girls? Do you give them treats as well? Beautiful flock.

 

[MIKE555444]

I use Purina, Nutrena Starter Grower until I see the first eggs... Then I use Purina Layer pellets.

Very little treats... Mostly fresh veggies from dinner left over. I have in the past kept a bag of scratch for treats but I always limited it to a handful per visit to the hen house. It sure makes them love you LOL

 

[Wifezilla]

People and poultry do process things differently. I was just using it as an example of how having a full belly doesn't mean you are nourished. Now I do know for sure that niacin deficiencies are a big problem for ducks. Relying on corn as your main nutrition source is just a bad idea in general.

 

[MIKE555444]

Just a quick search shows how much difference in Protein:



Purina Starter/Grower: 18% Protein

Purina Layer pellets: 16% Protein

Cracked Corn: 8-9% Protein




NOTE: I did see a bargain layer feed in town for sale: 14% Protein