too much sunflower seed? few eggs...

[hensonly]

Ok, I checked my layer crumbles and I remembered right - it is 16 % protein. Did someone infer that it wouldn't hurt to up it a bit? If so, is there an easy way to do that without switching feed? I've fed them Dumor crumbles right from chick starter on up...but this is my first chicken experience. Does anyone have any strong feelings about one particular brand of feed? Or is Dumor fine? I know, it's probably like dog food - lots of brands, and mostly it's just personal preference, but based on ingredients, is one brand any better than another?

 

[PAJerry]

I do about the same except I rinse them twice a day and they are ready to go in 4 days.

Info on the nutritional benefits of sprouts is found at the sproutpeople.com web site. It is very interesting to see how sprouting greatly improves the nutients in seeds.

 

[Organics North]

Quote:
Thanks!!!

ON

 

[tdgill]

Quote:
regarding BOSS, I think its suggested to be helpful AFTER feather picking to aid in regrowth of feathers? Same with adding more protein after a molt - helps to regrow feathers. I feed a farmers co-op of crumbles 16% like $9.50 a 50lb/bag... and my girls are laying just about daily. They are a year old. I'm not sure of the particular reason ppl feel they need to up the protein levels...especially if all is doing well. Maybe to keep egg production up thru the winter when they have less access to free range protein (bugs, worms, grasses etc)? Or maybe because the girls like it so darn much. Last time I gave a protein boost was some freezer burned venison. LOL THAT was a blast!!! Little tyranosaurus rexes they are! They are just so much fun to feed yummies to. I think a good part of my enjoyment of chickens is feeding them even if it is just grass I hold in my fingers, or a little wetted crumbles that makes a soft mash - fed by hand (just enough to finish up, I dont leave it around to spoil, it can quickly turn sour in the heat) but they get different treats often, just not usually in large amounts.

 

[Organics North]

Oh yes on the sprouts. My soaking bucket and sprout trays are in a very warm spot above the lights that I grow Lettuce under.

....Hmmm Venison for the chickens.... If I could only get my chickens to catch their own deer.. How many would it take? 100 chickens to take down a deer....

That would be way to keep deer out of the garden!
ON

 

[kecrow]

Out of curiosity, did you cook the vension or use it raw?

 

[IggiMom]

I give venison to my dogs, guess the chickens won't get it.

I do give the BOSS to the chickens. I just started doing this because I heard it was good for them.

I just give plain cleaned whole kernel corn in the winter for heat.

Re the protein discussion. I was feeding 20% protein to the chickens, thinking that more was better, but I swear that they lay better with 16% feed.

It doesn't make sense to me, but I have kept records, and they do lay better with a lower protein feed. I wish I understood it, though.

Of course, it is great that now they can get out and forage a little.

I have been giving a few meal worms for treats also.

And if I am overwhelmed with eggs, which doesn't happen very often now because I sell them, I do grind them up and give them the hard boiled eggs.

Catherine (IggiMom)