Pasturing Cornish X what to do with feed?

[johndeerematt]

Hey everybody, in a few weeks I will have about 60 broilers kt raise. WhAt I am wondering is about feed. I'd like to get them to 4 pounds and make the most money possible on them. They will be pasturing on alfalfa with fresh spot to graze daily as needed. What options do I had for feed? We live on an ACTUAL farm(not just an acreage ) and if I could do something with our corn that would be great. I realize I will probably have to feed commercial feed as well, but how can I get the birds to 4 pounds as cheaply and efficiently as possible? (If sanely possible Id like to make $1.50-2.00)

 

[perchie.girl]

There are a couple of threads I belong to about feeding Meaties economically

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/832053/100-broilers-and-fermented-feed-project

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644300/fermenting-feed-for-meat-birds

The very first few pages of these threads give you all you need to understand the process and the benefits.

But the simplistic description is What Ever you feed Wether Whole grains or commercial feed by fermenting it you access all the Aminos and protiens available for the bird. Even with unthrifty food the protien is boosted. And it only involves a container for the feed and enough water to cover it..... Wait a day or two and the food will start bubbling. then you scoop out what you want to feed. When it gets low throw in more feed stir it in and top it off with water.

I havent used it myself yet but I am hearing each bird is living quite healthily on about a half a cup a day.... The rest of their food it obtained while foraging which makes the Meatie healthier and thriftier.

Oh and you can ferment chick feed too.

Next year I hope to apply this to raising up Guiinea fowl for the table. But I will be feeding all my birds this way... Starting over for me involves new structures on my property.

Oh and I believe you need to be able to crack the corn if you are going to feed it...

deb

 

[johndeerematt]

Thanks for The great info! I will look into fermenting feeds. What sort of thing can one all ferment?

 

[perchie.girl]

Thanks for The great info! I will look into fermenting feeds. What sort of thing can one all ferment?

Anything. there is a resident expert on Doing this for Meat birds... She very predominant on both those threads but mostly the second thread... her byc name is beekissed

deb