Feeding chickens ?

Blaithin

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Alberta
Here I get a 36% protein crumble option meant to mix in with whole grains. Bit better balance than just the 17% layer crumble mixed straight in.

In the summer they don’t tend to eat as much when they’re out foraging but it’s still available. In the winter and times when they need higher protein, like moult, I definitely up the availability and offer other goodies like BOSS, cat food, meal worms, hamburger, etc.

There isn’t a product here that combines grit and oyster shell so I just buy them separate. Not expensive and the bags last a lifetime. I just fill up some bird feeders with them.

The organ ImLost is talking about is the gizzard. Their crop just holds the food, it’s also called the grain bag or grain sack. Birds don’t actually have stomachs, the food goes from the crop, to the gizzard, into the intestines. When butchering you can cut open the gizzard and find all sorts of little rock’s in it.
 

ImLost

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Not sure
Here I get a 36% protein crumble option meant to mix in with whole grains. Bit better balance than just the 17% layer crumble mixed straight in.

In the summer they don’t tend to eat as much when they’re out foraging but it’s still available. In the winter and times when they need higher protein, like moult, I definitely up the availability and offer other goodies like BOSS, cat food, meal worms, hamburger, etc.

There isn’t a product here that combines grit and oyster shell so I just buy them separate. Not expensive and the bags last a lifetime. I just fill up some bird feeders with them.

The organ ImLost is talking about is the gizzard. Their crop just holds the food, it’s also called the grain bag or grain sack. Birds don’t actually have stomachs, the food goes from the crop, to the gizzard, into the intestines. When butchering you can cut open the gizzard and find all sorts of little rock’s in it.
Thanks @Blaithin ... Its been a few years since I was immersed in the world of poultry and my memory isn't that great at the best of times 😄
 
If they've go plenty of green stuff to pick through to eat and stop them getting bored, something grit-like for their crop, somewhere safe and dry. and a dust bath they'll be fine. As little extra feed as possible or you'll attract rats. A bag of layers pellets to bribe them and for going through moult. Layers pellets/mash seems to sell more to people who have restricted green stuff, very little space or need to keep them inside away from wet and foxes. Some people reckon mixed corn keeps them full longer in winter than layers pellets/mash but that the latter is a more complete meal. if they're pottering around a farm that's less likely to matter.
 

Blaithin

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Alberta
Thanks @Blaithin ... Its been a few years since I was immersed in the world of poultry and my memory isn't that great at the best of times 😄
I butchered a slough of chickens this summer and I’m always amazed at the pretty colours of the gizzard so I remember it.

The crop is just annoying in comparison :ROFLMAO:
 
A treat,whole wheat off the heap,soaked in water for 3 days, liquid strained off. Do no give them a lot but they love it.
Do any of you put White Iodine in their drinking water?

Some around here use cider vinegar, never bothered. Think it's mostly the chickens as garden pets types.
 

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quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

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