Scratch for main source of Feed?

[PunkinPeep]

Wow! I just finished reading this whole thread.

I'd like to add that we really have to keep in mind each person's different circumstances with this sort of thing. Especially that "free ranging" to some means 10 acres of lush grass land, to others 2 acres of grass and woods, and to still others it means 1/4 acre (or less) of fenced in lawn. Those three flocks are not going to have access to the same variety of nutrients from their free range diets.

I have found that during times of least stress (not molting, not having extreme temperatures), my girls can thrive on just what they find free ranging - and with no drop in egg production. Knowing this, i'm not going to have the same nutritional demands from my feed as someone whose chickens are confined to a run or a small yard. If i knew that my chickens ate nothing but what i gave them, i would probably never feed them scratch. As it is, scratch doesn't scare me a bit. It does help to fill out my roosters for butcher, and it helps to balance out all the exercise they get so that they have a meaty body instead of feeling so skinny like they did when they didn't get scratch. If it gets cold this winter, and the bugs and vegetation start disappearing, i will get more strict about my feed.

I would personally love to get my hands on some of this 21% protein scratch someone mentioned, and that's another thing we really need to keep in mind. Scratch does not necessarily equal scratch. If i could find a "whole grain" feed such as a scratch, that had such high protein, i would probably never buy regular feed again.

 

[Chris09]

I would like to add that different breed have different protein requirements.
If you have a Game type fowl there protein requirements are much lower than say a production type "hatchery" fowl.
Most Game type breeds need a 14 to 18 percent protein depending on age and season, anything higher than 18 percent protein will do more harm than good.
Even most large framed "Heritage" breeds (non-hatchery) don't need to be much higher than a 18% protein when growing and as adults much more than that and you will affect there leg and frame.

Most fowl need a little extra protein when in molt BUT keep in mind that they also need added fat. If your fowl are not getting added fat at the time of molt the feathers will rob the body of any extra fat it has. If your bird is thin or without extra fat then you will start to see frayed and poor feathers just the same as bird on a very low protein diet.

As I said before Scratch can be a good thing if used correctly and it is of good quality..

Chris

 

[PepsNick]

I agree with halo. But make sure they like scratch, each flock usually has one type they prefer, mine prefer crumbles, which I have to pay $37 freakin dollars for!!

Good luck.

 

[lotzahenz]

I spent hours researching this topic early this year and after that, I have completely changed my way of feeding. I now feed ONLY whole grains or cracked corn, eliminating crumbles that just process thru the bird way too fast. I prefer a slower, more natural growth and it seems this is the way to accomplish that. Plus, if it is not pooped out so quickly, more will be absorbed and my feed bill is quite a bit less and the birds go to bed with full crops. They do free-range though, and I give them alfafa hay during out hot dry summers. I believe as the backyard chicken movement goes forward, more research will be done on our type of flocks, and feed will need to be developed for NON-MASS produced/raised birds. It is so interesting, all the ideas folks have, but it does make more sense to feed whole grain bread than plain white bread, and this is the same with chickens, unless you want them fat, soft and grown out as fast as possible. Just MHO. Henz

 

[Cindy in PA]

Quote:
I'm always glad to read about people feeding like this. Do you think they eat less (pound wise) or the same on whole grain? The other year I fed my flock about 50/50 whole grain and regular feed, using 16% pigeon grain. Then I went back to gamebird feed & round & round. This summer I found no soy layer mash and my new pullets are laying real well on it, but it has a lot of meal in it. Tomorrow I am picking up peas, oats, wheat, fishmeal & Fertrell Nutribalancer & I'm going to go the whole grain route. Since I can now get organic peas & grains from the farmer, the time is now. I have about 3 weeks left of no soy feed, so I will mix for now. Can't wait to see how it works out.