Want to ditch the store feed

[Boots001]

Researching what they need in a whole grain homemade mix, learning to make fodder and my most exciting adventure is making my chickens they're very own forage garden. I'm just really worried about leaving something important now that they need. Anyone have advice for me? I sure would appreciate it.

 

[DobieLover]

leaving something important now that they need.

Meat. Or a very good quality complete amino acid profile source.

 

[Sally PB]

@Boots001, first, start reading any thread you can find here on BYC about feed. You will find that growing/mixing/making your own feed is possible. Whether it will be practical or feasible for you is something you will have to decide when you have more information.

You may realize that you would be better off with buying feed, or buying some feed as a supplement to what you can produce yourself.

Here is an article by one member:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...eat-tears-a-calculator-or-deep-pockets.78655/

Where are you located? Just the state is fine, or the country, if you're not in the US. Your location/climate helps anyone reading your posts give more accurate advice. If you're not in the US, some of the stuff available here might not be available to you.

And,

 

[Perris]

I'm just really worried about leaving something important now that they need.

the more diverse and varied your offering, the less likely it is that they'll go short on something important.

making my chickens they're very own forage garden

if you include plants that attract a diverse range of insects and other minibeasts - and don't use herbicides and pesticides - your chickens will be able to source complete proteins for themselves, and get lots of engaging exercise while doing it.

 

[Sally PB]

Getting the nutrition right is most important when the birds are young and developing. Some amino acids are critical to developing chicks, and if they miss out at that time in their lives, they can't make up the shortfall later.

 

[Shadrach]

Do bear in mind the breed of chicken will have an impact on ensuring they get adequate nutrition. A hen tht lays 300+ eggs a year is going to be more demanding to feed properly than a hen that lays 150 eggs a year. The most likely difficulty is supply sufficient Methionine.

 

[Boots001]

the more diverse and varied your offering, the less likely it is that they'll go short on something important.

if you include plants that attract a diverse range of insects and other minibeasts - and don't use herbicides and pesticides - your chickens will be able to source complete proteins for themselves, and get lots of engaging exercise while doing it.

Thank you! I didn't even think of that! I've been researching what all different kinds of plans I can grow for their garden for different times a year but didn't even consider the insects that it will attract! That's going to be the very next thing I'm research. Thank you so very much!

 

[Boots001]

@Boots001, first, start reading any thread you can find here on BYC about feed. You will find that growing/mixing/making your own feed is possible. Whether it will be practical or feasible for you is something you will have to decide when you have more information.

You may realize that you would be better off with buying feed, or buying some feed as a supplement to what you can produce yourself.

Here is an article by one member:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...eat-tears-a-calculator-or-deep-pockets.78655/

Where are you located? Just the state is fine, or the country, if you're not in the US. Your location/climate helps anyone reading your posts give more accurate advice. If you're not in the US, some of the stuff available here might not be available to you.

And,

Great idea! I have been looking on YouTube and stuff and see whatever everybody else does for theirs. It's just that I worry you know, I want my chickens to be healthy. I thought the distance I was free ranging them anyway, I might as well plant some things along the way that will do them good and they'll like. I think we all have a tendency to get pretty fond of our chickens. Another good point, I'm in Texas. Didn't even think about adding it before. I appreciate the input! Thank you kindly!

 

[nuthatched]

Check out Justin Rhodes on utube, one of the best sources for recipes.
Please be aware, you need to buy able to buy/store in bulk and fermenting or a wet mash helps avoid deficiency.
And unfortunately, you're going to be paying $5-$9 a pound for basic feed, depending where you live, and atleast double that for organic.

 

[Sally PB]

A lot of people figure out that they cannot grow/make their own chicken feed as cheaply as they can buy it, or they can't make a feed that will meet the nutritional needs of their birds.

Making your own feed is something you want to "get right," not just say, "good enough." Buying feed and supplementing it with some home made/grown items is NOT a cop out, in my opinion.

I buy my chickens' feed and give them a LOT of stuff from the garden, especially this time of year. The garden scraps stretch the food out and it gives the birds some variety and entertainment. It entertains me too; watching chickens play with their food always brings a smile to my face.

I think we all have a tendency to get pretty fond of our chickens.

Yes, a lot of us do. Me, certainly.