What animal protein do you prefer to feed your chickens?

[MissChick@dee]

Mine love fish. Talipia, tuna, salmon. Cooked chicken breast. Turkey and pork loin. Potroast...whatever I cook for my husband they get some too. They’re not big fans of eggs though.
I currently have them on a diet

 

[ChickNanny13]

I stopped feeding layer (16%) after reading about feeding a single feed instead of stage feeding. Thinking about the process of egg laying, agreed it takes alot of energy from them, needing the extra protein. Several years ago I switched to Flock Raiser (20%) with Oyster Shells in a separate dish, they don't free range so get 1/8 cup BOSS & 1/8 cup MealWorms at close up (scratching fun). Never had an issue with egg shell nor laying have notice the shells seem stronger than when they were on layer.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Mine get a variety from meat scraps from the kitchen and live meal worms I grow for them

 

[IamRainey]

I feed my cat a 3oz can of food every evening. When I open a new can I put aside what she may not have eaten and take it out to the coop. The chickens are all over it!

I also give them bones to pick at when we have that left over from dinner.

Finally, I give them BOSS and mealworms.

 

[GC-Raptor]

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?

Switch back to the Starter or Grower of the same brand of Organic feed that you like. Whichever is between 18 to 20% Protein. And provide Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC

 

[Jlgonzo]

I stopped feeding layer (16%) after reading about feeding a single feed instead of stage feeding. Thinking about the process of egg laying, agreed it takes alot of energy from them, needing the extra protein. Several years ago I switched to Flock Raiser (20%) with Oyster Shells in a separate dish, they don't free range so get 1/8 cup BOSS & 1/8 cup MealWorms at close up (scratching fun). Never had an issue with egg shell nor laying have notice the shells seem stronger than when they were on layer.

Thanks for the info. Do you give the mealworms and BOSS daily? How many chickens do you have for the amount you give out? I have oyster shells and grit in separate dishes. I offered the oyster shells when I was still using grower feed but had one layer.

 

[Jlgonzo]

Switch back to the Starter or Grower of the same brand of Organic feed that you like. Whichever is between 18 to 20% Protein. And provide Oyster Shells in a separate container.View attachment 1628805 GC

That’s what I am planning. I have an email to the company to make sure of the grower feed’s protein content. I can’t seem to find the amount online.

 

[centrarchid]

Fish products are often first option. Ideally if of marine origin, they are pressed to remove oil. I do not do such, but have considered purchasing fish meal as it stores well and is used in many pet and livestock feeds. My grandfather used to use waste from local butcher and would also bring in rough fish that were simply layed out for chickens to pick over. I have done similar from time to time but their is a smell factor. My grandmother that had a larger laying flock of a couple hundred birds used whey from the local cheese factory. I vaguely remember the approach was like slopping hogs although the mix was not as wet. She would put feed in trough, then poor the whey on top. Birds got protein, calcium, and water at same time.

Meal worms are fun, but far from economical.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Thanks for the info. Do you give the mealworms and BOSS daily? How many chickens do you have for the amount you give out? I have oyster shells and grit in separate dishes. I offered the oyster shells when I was still using grower feed but had one layer.

I have only 4 BOs, the 1/8 cup of BOSS & 1/8 cup freezer dried mealworms they get daily, something for them to scratch (they're confined). When I mow the lawn, they get grass clippings.

I've done MealWorm Farms (great thread here) a couple of times, the first time it was great but then I took a break from chickens (family situation) so I sold the farm. The next time I got chickens, started up again but made the mistake of forgetting to freeze the wheat bran prior to replenishing the farm. Although I got it from a health food store, it developed "mites" ... I dumped the farm out at the landfill (wild chickens had a blast) & had to clean the room I had them in. As much fun as they are to raise, decided freeze dried (Amazon) alot easier for me.

 

[aart]

I have an email to the company to make sure of the grower feed’s protein content.

Should be on the tag sewn into bottom of bag...and should be online too.
What's the exact brand and type of feed you are using?