What would your preferred custom made chicken feed consist of?

[kathyinmo]

What would be the best, custom mixed feed consist of? I read pros and cons about corn. I found a local Kent feed dealer, and was told they make their own custom feed 36% protein made from corn, calcium carbonate, and oyster shells. The price is $8.55 for 50 lbs. Please tell me what your preference would be, if you had custom made feed. Also, what is the controversy re animal protein?

 

[Wifezilla]

There has to be more to it than that to get the protein percent to 36.

 

[kathyinmo]

This was a little ol' lady telling me the ingredients. I asked the same question, "what else is in it?" She only knew of the 3 ingredients, and proudly added, "we had it analyzed!" Well, I know that would be way to much calcium for chooks not yet laying, correct? I don't know ..... I just want to know what would be an ideal mixture to feed?

 

[espressola]

Let's see... I would prefer to get it from a local feed mill for freshness, it would not need to be organic but preferably none of the ingredients from China, little corn or soybean protein with more of it coming from peas, lentils or animal protein (not ALL fish please)- and not chicken feathers or diseased animals either... not too much calcium so that I could feed it to all ages- I'd like it to be like a Flockmaster type of food, good for all except the youngest of fowl... and available in pellet or crumble form, please! I think that's it.... affordable too, of course, but not necessarily cheap... oh, and protein percentage in the low twenties so I could feed a good amount of fresh veggies without worrying about protein levels....
Patty N. ;-)

 

[briteday]

Peas, lentils, hard red wheat or middlings, oats, barley, safflower, animal fat and meal, alfalfa, vitamin supplement to cover anything they might not be getting...a little corn for flavor, maybe some flax seed for omegas

 

[CMV]

I found this site a while ago and am contemplating making my own feed. I hope it proves helpful.
http://www.lionsgrip.com/recipes.html

 

[pixie74943]

Insert Picture of my Backyard...

Seriously, I bought the upper-class grower feed that I calculated would last them just up until they started laying (roughly 20weeks). Figured by that time it wouldnt matter whether they were on grower or layer, they'd be close enough.

Well the only action my feeder got was when I threw a bit of scratch on top so they would learn it was food. Every couple of weeks i sprinkle grit, and the food in it goes down. Oh and a rat once. Apart from that my feeder is untouched.

If you need DIY food, just let them run through the backyard. Make sure you fence whatever you dont want them eating though.


BTW this advice relates to my 2 chicken household

 

[kathyinmo]

CMV.... thanks for the link !