What animal protein do you prefer to feed your chickens?

[Jlgonzo]

My chickens can not free range, so I am looking to add some animal protein because I have read that is what they naturally forage and I think they may need a little more protein as I have noticed a bit of feather picking from the most recent layers. They are all almost 6 months and some have been laying since early November and others are just starting now. I have read the canned fish is good and their own eggs either boiled or scrambled. I have been giving them a handful of mealworms spread out among 8 chickens. I am just curious what others do and how often.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Feeding a higher protein ration will help immensely. I personally like feeding extra eggs back to my birds, and occasionally things like cottage cheese.

 

[Jlgonzo]

Feeding a higher protein ration will help immensely. I personally like feeding extra eggs back to my birds, and occasionally things like cottage cheese.

I really like the organic feed that I have been using from starter to layer and the chickens seem to like it as well. I also ferment it, so I am not sure I want to change feeds.
If I did change, do you have any recommendations?

 

[christwodog]

Mine love tunafish - the cheapest one will do, just strain off the water.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I experienced feather picking when I fed a 16% Layers feed. I switched back to a 18% Layers feed and the feather picking stopped about a month later.
I now feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser feed with 18 to 20% Protein to my 33 months old hens and 19 weeks old pullets with Oyster Shells and Poultry Grit each in separate containers.
I don't buy animal or insect Protein for my chickens. If I see a worm or catch a moth I will give to them.
My hens free range an hour before sunset daily, weather permitting and they do find bugs and salamanders on their own. My Pullets are not allowed to free range till all are laying regularly. GC
ETA; I corrected my Pullets age from months to weeks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I really like the organic feed that I have been using from starter to layer and the chickens seem to like it as well. I also ferment it, so I am not sure I want to change feeds.
If I did change, do you have any recommendations?

You can feed a non medicated starter or grower with a separate bowl of oyster shells. If you layer is 16% protein than that is daily minimum. I personally prefer 18-20% for that extra leeway.

 

[Trish1974]

Lately I've been giving a lot of browned ground venison to my growing juveniles and molting hens. They also get scrambled eggs on a fairly regular basis.

 

[JedJackson]

For me, higher protein in the feed is the way to go. Sometimes I do meal worms as a treat for any young one that looks like it needs a boost, and boiled eggs are good for young chicks who are struggling, but otherwise I don't use supplemental animal protein.

 

[muddy75]

my flock loves greek yogurt!

 

[cmom]

Dry cat food which is usually around 38% that I break up some to make it more the size of their pellets.