Oats, Whole Grains, Barley...Supplements?

[Poulets De Cajun]

Recently I switched my birds from commercial layer feed, over to whole oats (race horse oats) with free choice grit. So far I have noticed that they are not eating as much, they are staying fuller longer, and there has been a reduction in the amount of droppings.

I was doing this to condition them for the upcomig show season, but I am really liking the way this is turning out.

Plus I was told about all the things that actually go INTO commercial feed. Clay as a binder... weed seeds... and anything else thats unusable in other feeds.

In addition to whole oats, what else can I supplement their feed with after show season? And can anyone suggest a good source for info on the nutritional values on certain ingredients?

 

[DDRanch]

I don't know about your feed question, but I would sure love to see a picture of your lavendar silkies.......

Anne

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I feed my chickens crimped oats in with their laying pellets and chick starter once they are about 6 weeks old. The adult chickens don't like the oats nearly as well as they love the wheat, which was in the scratch feed I gave as a treat.

I know we like to feed our Guinea pigs rolled oats as a boost to their diet for showing but I have not added much else in supplements.
Most of the time I buy a good commercial food for the chickens and just add what I think is best for them to boost areas that need improving.
I add flax seed to my layers and add Vit E to my Silkies feed.
It depends on who it is and what they do and I am still in the process of learning what is beneficial. It also helps when you can actually get the grains and products where you live.
I like to read what others feed so I can see if it would benefit any of my numerous flocks.