Additional Protein Sources For Feed

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Is their run large? I also agree with the scrap area idea, maybe even going so far as to keep a compost pile in their area. That might add enrichment for them and nutrition. They go mad whenever you turn it, cute to see.

This thread has some good info on composting in the chicken run.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

In case anyone has not said it: meal worms, grubs, maggots, and really any kind of bug.

 

[linguini]

Ok, I know this is not Kosher - I have chopped up some shrimp cocktail for my chooks a couple times.

 

[bgmathteach]

I'm trying to figure out how I can supplement additional sources of protein into my flock's feed. They are on a organic no corn no soy layer ration but it only has 17% protein. They are doing very well on this food and currently I give them BOSS, hard boiled eggs on rotation with their daily veggies snacks. Urban owner here. They cannot free range.

I've seen people mention that they use flock raiser instead of layer due to the higher protein but I have yet to find a organic no corn no soy flock raiser blend and I'm not too comfortable messing around with their calcium intake so I stick with layer (they do have access to flaked oyster shell in their run).

Any thoughts on mixing the following into their feed?
- organic dehydrated beef broth
-organic flaxseeds (not ground because it will go rancid
-organic beef gelatin mix
-organic powdered peanut butter
-ground crickets
-ground mealworms (all of my chickens hate mealworms as treats but blending it into feed might be fine)

Have you thought of creating a grazing box in your run? Of course, only good during the growing season where you are at, but it is easy to do! Chickens love grazing, and it attracts insects and keeps them 'busy'. You can make it any size to fit your needs.*

https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/diy-grazing-boxes/

I have 2 small ones in my run presently, and I made an 'additional' box covered in clear plastic that I put on top to extend the season, and just take them off on nice days so my chooks get fresh greens in early winter or early spring, too. They love them - especially in the winter when they don't regularly get greens otherwise. I'm building another coop this season, but next year I'm planning on making a couple more fodder boxes for their run...they work so well.

Since it doesn't decrease the size of your run, this should be a possible addition.

*Just make sure the sides are at least 4" (nominal) in height. Any less and it doesn't work as well as the chickens can pull the seed up by the root as it isn't established enough....ask me how I know this!!!!

 

[Sally PB]

For the last 6 weeks, I've been hunting Japanese Beetles. Extra protein for the chickens, and helping to control a terrible pest. I would LOVE to hunt them to extinction.