Pig Feed for chickens

[TaraBellaBirds]

My feed n seed sold me a pig finisher. It is 16% protein, 3% crude fat, 2.5% fiber, .6% calcium, .3% phosphorous. My birds are 14 weeks, straight-run heritage breeds. They do free range and I supplement with oyster shells, safe kitchen scraps and greens. Will this feed fed as a main food source with other supplements they are receiving do any harm?

 

[chfite]

It probably won't matter, but it seems to me that the obvious choice would have been chicken feed. They might be able to make up any deficiency through foraging and the scraps. Being so young, they may have developmental problems missing some important ingredient.

Did the vendor have any reason for giving you pig feed instead of chicken feed?

Chris

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

I asked for 18% chicken feed. They did tell me that all they had was 16% and I said that would work. I am guessing that they are very similar but I just am not sure. My main concern was a calcium deficiency, but they are getting plenty of oyster shells and crushed egg shells. I will probably end up getting a bag of 18% feed and mixing them.

 

[chfite]

If the concern is calcium, your providing oyster shell should take care of that.

Chris

 

[pips&peeps]

I had a friend that wound up with pig feed and it caused gout in her chickens.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

Well it would seem the problem has resolved itself.....my birds won't eat it! So I'm out a few bucks in the chicken game, but learned a valuable lesson, always double check your vendors. Thank you everyone for your advice!