Does powdered non-fat dry milk have a place in poultry feeding?

[3riverschick]

I have several bags and am wondering how(or if) I can/should use it to feed my Light Sussex. Is this the same as what they used to call "whey"? If, so, can you use it the same as whey or does it make a difference since it is dried?
Thanks,
Karen

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Powdered milk is not the same as whey, whey is just the leftover protein liquid after all the butterfat has been taken out. Powdered milk is dehydrated milk.

I would reconstitute the powdered milk and mix it with their feed, mine LOVE that. But my birds are picky eaters, so they wouldn't find a powder very appetizing.

edit:
Just adding that the extra protein in the mix is great for molting birds.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: How much do I put into their feed and what consistency should it be if I add water to it and make it milk again?
Thanks!
Karen

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

I've personally never reconstituted powdered milk, but I found this online
To equal this amount of liquid milk Use this much
Fresh Water And this much Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk Powder
1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1-1/2 tablespoons
1/3 cup 1/3 cup 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 cup 1/2 cup 3 tablespoons
1 cup 1 cup 1/3 cup
1 quart 3-3/4 cup 1-1/3 cups
2 quarts 7-2/3 cups 2 -2/3 cups
1 gallon 15-1/2 cups 5-1/3 cups

• Use cool water when possible. The powder tends to dissolve more readily in cool water.
• Stir the milk a lot, to dissolve the milk powder. Then let the milk sit for a little while and stir again. The protein in the milk powder blends most easily if it gets a chance to stand after mixing.

Even if it doesn't mix up properly, the chickens wont care
Here's the table I found for your protein percentage, I would just take that into consideration when feeding a substantial amount of it. I've used as much as a gallon of whey or milk in one feeding, so I think you'll be okay there. (I have almost 60 birds though)
Typical Composition
Protein

34.0% - 37.0%
Lactose

49.5% - 52.0%
Fat

0.6% - 1.25%
Ash

8.2% - 8.6%
Moisture

3.0% - 4.0% (non-instant)
3.5% - 4.5% (instant)

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Powdered milk is an excellent feed. Usually too expensive to use for that purpose but if you just have some that needs to be used up then use it.

If you're feeding crumbles or mash there is no need to reconstitute it. Just mix a couple of tablespoons into a quart of dry feed then feed it out. If you're using pellets then the same with the pellets but I'd probably pour warm water over it and mix it up until you get a thick pudding like consistency. No more than what they'll clean up in about ten minutes or so.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: What great news! I have 3 bags to use up. I have brooders with 3 birds at 5 weeks. ; 6 chicks at 3 weeks; 6 chicks at 2 weeks. Just use the ratios you said above and no more than they can eat in 10 minutes, right? Can I feed it everyday? Or just several times a week?
Thanks,
Karen

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If it were me I'd probably limit it to every other day at most.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: Thank you, A.T. Do I need to worry about diarrhea , pasty butt, or anything?
Thanks,
Karen

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

You can give it to them every day, but I would slowly work them up to any substantial amount just like how you would switch feeds. I also belong to a Cow forum, and almost all of them slop their chickens with milk or whey, and they don't have any issues either.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: Thank you for taking time tor reply. My chicks and adults are gonna love this!
Best,
Karen