Topic of the Week - "Off-grid" Feeding - Homemade feeds, etc.

TooCheep said:

@Folly's place - Making your own feed isn't the first choice for most people when there are comparatively cheap and effective feeds available. However, having options if things become difficult are quite worthwhile.

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If things are that bad, its unlikely one will have access to Nutribalancer, Fish Meal, and whole roasted Soybeans by the bag - unless one lives in Soybean country.


Corn


Oats


Quite curious as to where they got their nutrition figured from for that calculation, as well. While the numbers I get out of Feedipedia (plus the label on the Fertrell's products) get us close enough not to quibble on Protein, the fiber and fat numbers look way off. The Starter I checked first was over 10% fat!

U_Stormcrow said:

While the numbers I get out of Feedipedia (plus the label on the Fertrell's products) get us close enough not to quibble on Protein, the fiber and fat numbers look way off. The Starter I checked first was over 10% fat!

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The chick starter I buy for Gamebirds (28-30% protein), only has 5% fat.. that must be one unhealthy feed!!

Are there any foods I should absolutely NOT feed my chickens? For some reason, my mom said not to feed them tomatoes or potatoes. Can I feed them leftover soggy Cheerios and granola from my kids' breakfasts?

EasterEggerRose said:

Are there any foods I should absolutely NOT feed my chickens? For some reason, my mom said not to feed them tomatoes or potatoes. Can I feed them leftover soggy Cheerios and granola from my kids' breakfasts?

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My chickens LOVE tomatoes, raw or cooked. They are not a problem. I like to watch young birds roll cherry tomates trying to peck them open.
I also occasionally give mine cooked leftover potatoes with no problems. Raw green potatoes have been said to be poisonous. Potatoes will turn green in the garden if they are not under the soil and exposed to sunlight so I would avoid those.
Also I don't give tomato or potato foliage from the garden.

I see no reason to not give them leftover cheerios or granola. They will probably love those too!

Thanks! I would love to give them table scraps to supplement their feed, so this is good news!

In small amounts!

EasterEggerRose said:

Thanks! I would love to give them table scraps to supplement their feed, so this is good news!

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Yes, to supplement but it is best to limit it to small amounts. Watch salt, sugar and greasy stuff. A complete poultry feed is best to make up the most of their diet with any bugs and grass they find. Too many treats will lead to health problems and less eggs. Fat hen's don't tend to be healthy or lay as many eggs.

NanaK said:

Yes, to supplement but it is best to limit it to small amounts. Watch salt, sugar and greasy stuff. A complete poultry feed is best to make up the most of their diet with any bugs and grass they find. Too many treats will lead to health problems and less eggs. Fat hen's don't tend to be healthy or lay as many eggs.

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Are fruits and vegetables considered treats?

EasterEggerRose said:

Are fruits and vegetables considered treats?

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They are fine but again a complete feed will give them what they need.

EasterEggerRose said:

Are fruits and vegetables considered treats?

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Yes. Anything you give them which is not a complete feed is a treat, with the potential to imbalance the diet.