- Thread starter
- #9
Jaitimer
In the Brooder
- Oct 30, 2019
- 10
- 16
- 29
Thank you! This is really helpful. I didn’t know that about the “powder” part of their feed, which is what is always left behind — so they’re definitely picking out the “candy”. Will try occasionally giving only meats/fish as treats and see if that helps. Appreciate it!Feed doesn't have an expiration date, it just has a mill date (when it was produced).
In the future, always check the mill date on feed. I've seen feed 2 years old at feed stores. The vitamins (especially fat solubles) would have been gone by then. Protein would have been greatly reduced and the fats could have gone rancid.
IMO, 16% protein is at the low end of what is necessary for regular ovulation. Scratch and Peck isn't a completely ground feed and chickens can choose to pick out the grains (candy). That can prevent them from ingesting the goodies. The goodies are the vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and fats added as powders. If anything else, like corn and bread is fed, it can lower the crude protein intake.
A good feed like Scratch and Peck, should be their sole intake - no treats.
If giving treats, make them a high protein source like meat and fish.