The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Lacy Blues]

Really? I think that barley and BOSS are the easiest to sprout. They take a couple days to really get going but oats... those are what I think is difficult. Some sprout right away but most do not. Probably somewhere around 10% will sprout quickly and start growing but the rest of it takes a lot longer to actually do anything. Drives me crazy!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Lots of interesting posts the last few days! I was especially interested in the ento-protein, but I couldn't find a source for it.

I've been experimenting with new feed recipes with the goal to totally - or almost totally - eliminate legume seeds from the mix. It's been interesting working with various protein sources that are non-legume, and I'd love to be able to get hold of some of the insect protein (as long as it isn't full of disgusting additives). That would help a whole lot with that process.

 

[lewis7209]

Hello everyone. My name is Mona and I'm a lurker....lol. Actually I'm starting over after 15 years of having no chickens and trying to learn what all is new in the chicken world. Love all the pictures and information I've been able to see thus far. ( trying to catch up is crazy ) Don't think I'll be up to spend with all the post for awhile...lol. Just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm here. Thank you all for the wonderful post on here. I will be taking notes for sure.

 

[Kikiriki]

Lots of interesting posts the last few days!  I was especially interested in the ento-protein, but I couldn't find a source for it.

I've been experimenting with new feed recipes with the goal to totally - or almost totally - eliminate legume seeds from the mix.  It's been interesting working with various protein sources that are non-legume, and I'd love to be able to get hold of some of the insect protein (as long as it isn't full of disgusting additives).  That would help a whole lot with that process.

Sweet potato is really good it has the rare amino acids.
They are super easy to grow and the leaves are also edible for you and the chickens! I have not done the math to figure out how much the chickens would have to eat, though. In the two following links, if you scroll down you will see a box called "Protein and Amino Acids". You can open that to see a breakdown.
The potato, cooked
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2667/2
The leaves, raw
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2664/2

A good article: http://sd.appstate.edu/sites/sd.appstate.edu/files/methionine.pdf

 

[Lacy Blues]

Lots of interesting posts the last few days! I was especially interested in the ento-protein, but I couldn't find a source for it.

I've been experimenting with new feed recipes with the goal to totally - or almost totally - eliminate legume seeds from the mix. It's been interesting working with various protein sources that are non-legume, and I'd love to be able to get hold of some of the insect protein (as long as it isn't full of disgusting additives). That would help a whole lot with that process.

How about black soldier fly larva? They should be plentiful in your area and they certainly make it easier to live a "waste-free" life! They're amazing. I wish they were here. I'll likely have to truck some in this year.

 

[Lacy Blues]

Hi lewis and welcome. Feel free to ask anything at all, this is a very helpful group of folks!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Hello everyone. My name is Mona and I'm a lurker....lol. Actually I'm starting over after 15 years of having no chickens and trying to learn what all is new in the chicken world. Love all the pictures and information I've been able to see thus far. ( trying to catch up is crazy ) Don't think I'll be up to spend with all the post for awhile...lol. Just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm here. Thank you all for the wonderful post on here. I will be taking notes for sure.

@lewis7209 Feel free to jump right in!

Quote: @Lacy Blues
I'm a bit unclear as to weather we have them in this area. Most of the zone maps say we shouldn't have them here; one or 2 of the maps say we do have them. So it's a bit confusing.

I did once try to figure out how many would be needed and realized that it would be easier to just give them ground meat, liver, etc. rather than trying to grow an equal weight of insects. @Kassaundra was growing roaches for feed - not sure if she's doing that anymore or not.

On the other protein ideas mentioned, My first choice is animal-based protein, including insects, as it is more usable (bio-available...) and a more natural protein source for chickens than the plant based options. Then I'm looking at various items such as brewers yeast (which is "almost" animal protein

(again better bio-availability) then next, seeds that are a natural food-source for chickens like sunflower seeds, sesame seed, etc., then other animal products like soured milk (raw from the farm), etc.

With my first change in the feed, I've accomplished removing almost all legume seeds (not a natural source of food for chickens), but I'm not exactly where I want to be yet. Some of getting to where I'm going is based on availability of some of the ingredients that I want to use.

 

[lewis7209]

I have a quick question. You all talk about FF and how good it is for your chickens , what feed do you use for this exactly? I'm not very far in this forum and trying to catch up but it is going to take me awhile. I have only been on BYC for a month or or so. Thank You.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I have a quick question. You all talk about FF and how good it is for your chickens , what feed do you use for this exactly? I'm not very far in this forum and trying to catch up but it is going to take me awhile. I have only been on BYC for a month or or so. Thank You.

Just sent you a message that I hope will help on this

 

[lewis7209]

Thank you so much. Will read up on that tonight.