wantig to make my own feed

[megschicks]

is any one else grinding their grains if so what equipment and mixtue are you using and how is the easiest way to get started?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

There are lots of people who do. Best thing would be to use the search - the one located in the upper blue bar - just above your logged in name.

That search will allow you to search the different forums and by title or message and title. I would search "mixing own feed" or a combo of words to that effect. You should have days of reading

 

[SDPeep]

I use a country living grain mill. Has a great adjustment capability and you can get the grains ground to any consistency you like. A bit pricey though if you buy new.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

You can view my BYC page for my recipe if you wish. Organics North also has his recipe on his BYC page.

Here is a thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=4477&p=1

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/livestoc/as1224w.htm
feeding peas

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/poultry/bba01s20.html
helpful website

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart
treats chart

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
protein percentages

What are you planning to grind? A lot of things chickens can eat whole- make sure they have grit to grind it up in their gizzards though.

 

[Organics North]

Yep lots of research.

For the grains I grind I bought a cheap grinder off ebay for around $20 and modified it to use a low speed drill to drive it. (I spent 4 hours grinding yesterday..

)
Here is the grinder:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230582261400

I found a lot of information here on byc...

ON

 

[Cindy in PA]

Grains do not need to be ground for the chickens to eat them. Grinding just creates more dust.

 

[Organics North]

I have found that I need to grind the peas.. My birds will at least not eat whole peas. I would assume it is the same with beans.. So legumes would need to be at least split IMO.
ON

 

[eggbuster]

Quote:
I agree. Grind the peas. Everything else; not necessary.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
I agree. Grind the peas. Everything else; not necessary.

I feed mine split peas and they eat them (unground). But not more than around 4 lb per recipe. If I give them too many (according to them), they put them on the ground.