Feeding chickens ?

[Blaithin]

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]

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

 

[badger nadgers]

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]

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

 

[badger nadgers]

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.

 

[Magnus_]

Hello!
Where do you buy chicken feed wholesale and who is the manufacturer? Which country is better to choose?

 

[spin cycle]

Hello!
Where do you buy chicken feed wholesale and who is the manufacturer? Which country is better to choose?

Nice cock

where are you from and how many/what sort do you raise?

 

[Magnus_]

I have a mini-farm for year-round production of broiler meat at the rate of 1000 heads per month
I'm from North Dakota

 

[Magnus_]

I am currently looking for a new supplier of poultry feed. I found animal feed wholesale on the Globy platform.
Maybe someone knows if it's worth ordering there. or recommend other suppliers to me.
Thank you!

 

[ollie989898]

You need a proper layer ration for optimal health, although ours will eat near anything, including nests of mice.

Wheat screenings etc I would dump far away from any buildings for the birds, animals and bugs to eat.

 

[Enry]

And we wonder why people increasingly don’t trust farmers to provide their food !

Beta carotene in grass will colour the yolk nicely.

 

[Forkdriver]

@Clive, this is what I get get from village pet stores View attachment 911912View attachment 911913
I've 22 geriatric hens and a cockerel that I could happily strangle.
They were laying 10-14 eggs per day through summer ,now down to 2 a day,,they cost more to feed than what they are worth,I would get shut of the lot but I was out voted

And that's why I won't have poultry.

 

[Lincs Lass]

And that's why I won't have poultry.

I won't have anymore , only got five left , old age has thinned them out .
Sooner they go the better

 

[copse]

Have 70 chickens here and they are paying nicely at the moment.

 

[Forkdriver]

I won't have anymore , only got five left , old age has thinned them out .
Sooner they go the better

Our last lot had to live out their natural lives. Mrs F took it personally when I threatened slaughter. I am too old to go through that again. Edit slaughter of the chickens not the wife

 

[Dry Rot]

I have fancy chickens (OEG) and they definitely cost more than they are worth! But I don't drink, don't enjoy holidays, and don't go with expensive women...so what the hell! They'd had whole barley or wheat all winter but I am now stoking them up for breeding so they get growers pellets which are pretty good for protein. They will get lawn mower clippings thrown in as well when I start mowing the lawn. I'd like to keep them on free range but I have neighbours!

 

[Kidds]

I have fancy chickens (OEG) and they definitely cost more than they are worth! But I don't drink, don't enjoy holidays, and don't go with expensive women...so what the hell! They'd had whole barley or wheat all winter but I am now stoking them up for breeding so they get growers pellets which are pretty good for protein. They will get lawn mower clippings thrown in as well when I start mowing the lawn. I'd like to keep them on free range but I have neighbours!

Can we have some pics please. I do like a nice OEG

 

[Dry Rot]

Your wish is my command. One of last year's stags. And a photo of one of my other pets, just in case roving eyes are watching!

 

[Kidds]

Nice bird.

 

[Lamb's Orchard]

This was my oeg bantam. I unfortunately lost her last year.