- Mar 12, 2009
- 780
- 253
- 339
I am interested in learning more about including invertabrates (spiders, insects, slugs, etc.) in my chickens diet. There is only a few sources I have found about adding snails and earthworms to suppliment grower feed, but nothing on layers diet. Also, there seems to be limited nutritional information on insects.
Right now, my girls free range in my backyard and garden. About 30-50% of their diet comes from some type of invertabrate (I am not exaggerating), another 15-20 % is greens and grass and the rest is a sprouted seed/legume/grain mixture I make based on a recipe I from Greener Pasture's website http://www.greenerpasturesfarm.com/ChickenFeedRecipe.html. (Two of my hens detest layer feed) They are all very healthy (no disease, stunted growth, egg bound, etc.). So, I am not worried about malnutrition. I would just like to know how to better construct my current feeding system.
Also, I want to satisfy my curiousity. From what I understand, pasture and semi-intensive models were the standard prior to the 1950's and that 19th century and early 20th century dual-purpose breeds (RIR, NHR and Wyandottes were developed for this system. Yet, there is almost no work on pasture or other alternative models, lately. Even with an interest in organic farming and backyard flocks.
I have already taken some permaculture classes in college and have read some books on the subject. So, I do know the basics.
Thanks
DB
Right now, my girls free range in my backyard and garden. About 30-50% of their diet comes from some type of invertabrate (I am not exaggerating), another 15-20 % is greens and grass and the rest is a sprouted seed/legume/grain mixture I make based on a recipe I from Greener Pasture's website http://www.greenerpasturesfarm.com/ChickenFeedRecipe.html. (Two of my hens detest layer feed) They are all very healthy (no disease, stunted growth, egg bound, etc.). So, I am not worried about malnutrition. I would just like to know how to better construct my current feeding system.
Also, I want to satisfy my curiousity. From what I understand, pasture and semi-intensive models were the standard prior to the 1950's and that 19th century and early 20th century dual-purpose breeds (RIR, NHR and Wyandottes were developed for this system. Yet, there is almost no work on pasture or other alternative models, lately. Even with an interest in organic farming and backyard flocks.
I have already taken some permaculture classes in college and have read some books on the subject. So, I do know the basics.
Thanks
DB