Question about Whole Grains

[CelticOaksFarm]

Lydia, why the hunt for wheat? If its because I mentioned we use it don't stress over it. The wheat is a top dressing only to the Sebastopols only. That particular breed actually gets things the other geese never get.

Sebbies get:

Summer:
50/50 Mazuri (maintenance)/Whole Oats
Top dressed with BOSS
Top Dressed with Wheat
We feed like this to help their feathering, it does seem to help them with all the regrowth


Removed white millet from our feed as it doubled in price

Winter leading into breeding season:
75/25 Mazuri layer/whole Oats
Top dressed BOSS


Toulouse:

75/25 Mazuri/Whole Oats

Starter hatch to 2 months, Maintenance feed from 2 months on, layer during breeding season only

They don't like BOSS so they don't get it.

 

[Oregon Blues]

If wheat isn't grown anywhere near North Carolina, substitute cracked milo, or cracked sorghum (same grain called different name in different areas.

Rolled oats have better feed value than whole oats. They are easier to digest and a lot easier to find.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

OB, rolled are not as readily available here and cost wise are much higher. Then again we aren't a grain state here either.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks everyone, I have wanted to make sure when we start into the winter months that they have the best feed to get them through till spring and wanted to get every grain I could afford. Thank you. Now give me your advice on hay. as our feed store only carries what he called chopped grass hay in plastic bags about 45 lbs. is this what I am looking for or should I forget it too? lol

 

[SummerChick]

Lydia... I exactly how you feel when you ask for something at the feed store and you get those looks! It's frustrating trying to get what you want/need and can't get it.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Lydia, go on Craig's list and search hay in the farm section. Your feed store doesn't carry square bales of hay? Every feed store I know carries it. Is your feed store more a pet food store?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Lydia, go on Craig's list and search hay in the farm section. Your feed store doesn't carry square bales of hay? Every feed store I know carries it. Is your feed store more a pet food store?

Nope not a pet food store, but they do carry dog and cat food in large bags, this feed store has been here since 1920's but in recent years younger members of the family have taken over and have changed it alot. They don't have hay in square bales they have straw in square bales though, Celtic when you say hay what should I be looking for, there is different kinds of hay right? I am very frustrated, but I did just read Iains account of the vets suggestion on feed which makes me feel a lot better since I have been feeding FR and whole oats. now if I can just get some hay and see if they will eat it.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

I buy OA hay (oat hay) grass hay is good, avoid alfalfa since geese dont prefer it and you dont need the expense

 

[LightningTFarm]

Lydia - do you know anybody who raises horses? Nearly everyone buys square bales for horses. They may be willing to sell you some bales out of their supply, or tell you where they bought it so you can get some bales there. Around here TSC carries some hay, but it's way more expensive than buying it from people who baled it off their property.

 

[Iain Utah]

Lydia, the chopped hay bags should work if they are grass, not alfalfa, and do not contain molasses.