what amount of protein?

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Getting back to your original question about 14% feed, that is too low to get any kind of egg production. I think you are going about it backwards. Try a good layer feed of around 17% and cut your costs by supplementing cheap grains. More so in the winter and less so in the summer.

 

[Organics North]

Quote:
Feed store!
I pay about $50 for 50lbs fish meal
organic Flax is around ? $34 for 50lbs
organic Peas around $24 per 50lbs

I do not use soy so I do not know the price. If you are OK with soy then it is most likely the best bang for the buck.

Run the numbers..see which way is cheaper buying higher P feed or supplementing

Is your feed OK with the calcium for the chickens? Either way free choice my preference with the oyster shells..

OR what MAC says... He trumps anything that I say as far as efficency and saving money goes!

ON

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
I don't know about that... but our feed bill is $40K a year so I tend to pay attention.

As far as your feeding regime goes, if it it works for you it works for you. It's comparing apples to oranges though when you are approximating the protein and energy levels in your feed, vs the feed mills where they come pretty close as they have a lot to answer to when providing feed for millions of dollars of production in their area. Any deviations in the feed I am getting is immediately noticeable.

 

[Organics North]

Thanks Mac..
Yes using whole grains and sprouting, there is some approximation going on. I think I am fairly accurate on protein, but will admit to approximating on specific amino acids and have not graduated to calculating energy levels, other than being aware of my oil content, carb content and so forth.

The heritage birds I keep seem to be doing well though my egg production is way down. I am thinking temperature and light are the two main factors to that!

I do thank you again for the information.. Feel free to PM me with more of your thoughts on what I could do to improve!!!!!

As always I could stand to learn a thing or two from someone that keeps 1000% more chickens than I...

ON