Purina

[Merryment]

My problem with the animal protein included in commercial feeds is the source and qualityof that protein. It's dreck! I choose to feed an all-plant protein layer feed, then supplement a small portion of animal protein that I choose. Meat scraps from what we eat, sometimes a tin of sardines in water all mashed up ($1/tin from Aldi's). At this point, though, we're talking about personal choice.

I kind of enjoy watching the girls go all velociraptor for a piece of salami or a few sardines!

I feed Layena, $13.95 when I can't get to the A&M milling company for their $9.95 bag, which actually smells better and the chickens love it. I do have to drive 30 minutes each way to get that, though.

And remember, opinions are like, um, hm, noses. Everyone has one. Do a little research, make up your own mind. Change it later if you want to. Good luck!

 

[dewey]

After a lifetime of watching wild and domestic meat eaters, chickens included, eat everything imaginable from all types of meat protein sources, I've no issue with the quality of the protein used in feeds. Others do. To each their own.

 

[Five Dog Farm]

We feed Nutrena Layer 16%. We are in the southwest burbs of Chicago. Get 50# bag for about $10.50 - $11.00. I don't ever see anyone post anything about Nutrena. It seems to work for us. Girls are always active and lay good quality eggs consistently. They are allowed free range everyday also.

 

[seminolewind]

I pay $16.50 for Layena. But I'm looking for something else to try, preferably with animal protein

 

[Arielle]

Because there is no animal protein in the feed bag I'm happy to supplement their diet until they get out to free range and gobble up every little crawly thing around.

Earthworms, kid's leftover yogurt, ham and bean soup (leftovers). Working on red wrigglers and mealworms to turn non-edible food scraps and poor quality feed(bran) into high quality protein. Most meat scraps go to the dogs and cats first; not meaning to hiljack the thread, I just think that dog and cats don't eat grain products. We modern humans feed dry dog and cat food which is mostly grain. HUH! Just doesn't match their natural food choices: plenty of meat and veggies for the dogs and just meat for the cat. I've never seen one of my cats eat corn on the cob, a dog yes, a chicken, most definitely!!!

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
I know of no real pro's to feeding a all plant protein.

There are quit a few pro's to feeding animal protein,
The biggest pro is that you are feeding them a more correct diet.
I look at it this way chickens are Omnivorous , just like Humans, Crows, Pigs, Bears etc. and they need both plants and animals as their primary food source.

Chris

The advantage of meat/fish protein is that it has certain chains of amino acids that make up the protein. They are different than plant proteins. That's why vegetarians have to eat some certain foods together to get those amino acid chains because they don't eat meat. (Like rice and beans together).

Can I feed ham?

 

[EweSheep]

Yes you can but in moderation because of the high salt content on cured ham. Grind them up or mince the meat....and stand back and watch them go for it!

 

[truebluexf]

For those not concerned about the quality of the food they feed their chickens....are you concerned about the quality of the food YOU eat? Because if you're eating their eggs, you're eating the crap quality food. Feed the birds better, and you get fed better too. The nutrient content and flavor of eggs DOES change based on what the chickens eat.

 

[seminolewind]

Ewe, thanks, never thought of that, I'll have to mix it with something.

Trueblue, I'd just like to add that one must become a label reader. Just because it's a big name brand, doesn't mean it has quality ingredients-I think these companies count on the fact that most people don't read labels.

 

[truebluexf]

I agree, Seminolewind!!! (Even though I'm a Gator, lol)