Reply From Purina/Gamebird not on $5 coupon

[Cindy in PA]

Noticed yesterday that the $5 off 2 bags of Purina coupon in Poultry Press no longer has game bird feed included. I emailed Purina asking why. I said that I feed game bird feed to my chickens, because I like the higher protein & the animal protein. I got a 2 line reply stating that they don't recommend feeding game bird feed to chickens & that is why it is no longer on the coupon. I so wish that I could get Buckeye Breeder Pellets here. I can't even get Game bird Layena at my feed store. I also wrote back saying that while so many people rave about Purina on here, there is an awful lot of "how can I up the protein level" questions also. JMHO, I know, but I want to replace Purina, but they have a lock on the market here. I have been going round & round on this for 5 years, since they took out all animal protein

 

[MandyH]

Find a local feed mill and buy from them. It not only keeps your money local, it's a whole lot cheaper.

 

[Cindy in PA]

The local mill isn't much better and they aren't much cheaper. I payed $11.50 for 16% layer at the mill & $11.99 for Layena at the time. One plus is they do have animal protein, but that's it. I bought from them years ago & constantly looked for a higher protein. back then I had Agway that had 21% layer pellets, but they're closed now. It's frustrating as I live in farm country, but everything is packaged & shipped in.

 

[Kennyog]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[EweSheep]

If you can not get Gamebird, try Flock Raiser. I feed them to my non laying chickens fall, winter and early spring. In the summer I switch to Layena or mixed Flock Raiser and Layena.

Personally I do not like milled feeds, too much dust or smelled "burnt" or plenty of feed bugs in there. And my chickens do not like it, they refused to eat it.

 

[Spore]

Quote:
What did people feed chickens in your area before the modern shipment process took over?

 

[wildorchid053]

i feed mine the dumore and add animals scraps.. they are crazy about spagetti and meatballs.. meatloaf.. roast chicken.. pork fat in suet that i make.. just add your own. they eat alot of meat..and we have eggs still everyday..when i am short of meat i wet up my kitties food and give it to them now and again..what did they give them in the old days before there was manufactured foods?

 

[Cindy in PA]

Good idea (flockraiser), but it lacks animal protein & my feed store only sells pellets. I did see that TSC has Flock Raiser crumbles (my feed store said they only made medicated crumbles!), but they are more expensive. If I could get fish meal to supplement for animal protein, then flock raiser would be good. There again the feed mill sells fish meal plus which has porcine (good) & poultry products (bad) in it. I have to find just fish meal. My bantam rocks have never had pellets. Do you think they would eat them? I guess I should give up & not worry, but I plan to hatch some eggs this spring & I want them in good condition. Thanks for all the ideas.

 

[Cindy in PA]

This is my problem, I want 20% protein & animal protein replacing some of the soy. Just like I told Purina, everyone feeds 16% & then supplements with other stuff. If they would just give us 20% layer, I would be happy. I would be happy, but still add fish meal or something for the animal part. Buckeye is perfect. 18% breeder pellet with animal protein. I feed a portion of their feed as 17-18% grain, so I guess I will keep that up. I just want a balanced higher protein feed for layers..................I'll shut up now. Thanks!

 

[EweSheep]

For animal protein, ground meat is good. Ground fish is an excellent source!

Yes it is a bit expensive but it works!