Finding a good feed in South Africa

[Abigrayl]

Hi, I have been using chicken feed that I buy from the local farmers auction. It contains maize, sorghum and sunflower seeds. I also bought the same stuff at a local store that sells animal stuff.

My run is divided into 3 sections and there is a small amount of grass, weeds and bugs for them to forage. I provide crushed eggshells and some crushed seashells that I think is meant for pidgeons which the guy at the animal feed store assures me is what I am looking for when I asked for crushed oyster shells. I have a mixed flock and their main purpose besides entertainment is eggs.

But I have started to think that this chicken feed is what you refer to as 'scratch' and is not enough.

On our version of craigslist, I found someone who mills his own feed and sells it. It contains wheat, maize, sorghum, sunflower seeds, red-skin peanuts and soya - is this a more balanced diet for my chickens?

 

[Percheron chick]

The second feed is a better choice. The peanuts and soya add vital proteins to the feed. My one concern is the soya. Is it simply raw/dried or is it cooked/roasted? Soya needs to be cooked or fermented or it will create it's own set of problems. Typically in the US, soybean meal (what is left after the oil is extracted) or roasted soybeans are used in animal feed. It's the cheapest protein source so it's the most abundantly used.
Shells are shells. It doesn't matter if it's egg, oyster, snail, crab or sea. It's all calcium carbonate. As long as it's small enough for them to pickup and eat, they are getting the benefits of extra calcium.
Your chickens definitely benefit from the bugs and weeds. Give them any kitchen scraps, fresh fruits and vegetables and meat scraps (roadkill, snakes too). Don't stress that you can't offer a complete balanced feed right out of the bag. Offering a varied diet will hit most of their needs. You won't get the one egg per day but assuming you have native breeds that are developed and bred for your conditions you're going to do just fine.

 

[Abigrayl]

Thank you so much for your response - I really appreciate it! It puts my mind at ease. I will ask about the soya but I am guessing its the same thing - soybean meal left over from another process. Lots of people in SA eat soya mince for the protein. I will try the roadkill thing but it seems very strange! You are correct, I have Boschvelders and Potch Koekoeks which were bred for the conditions here. Thank you again

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Not sure where you live but no need for roadkill. Loads of wriggly things you can feed them, especially if you are in the Eastern Transvaal or somewhere near Durb's. Gecko's come to mind.

Give Parktown prawns a miss. I think even a chicken might scream and run away if it comes across one of those.

 

[Abigrayl]

I saw them eat a gecko the other day and was quite horrified! They're like tiny little velociraptors

I am in Krugersdorp - and you would be surprised! The first time I saw one of them see a Parktown prawn it ran at it, grabbed it by the head, smashed it a few times on the ground and decapitated it! It just knew what to do before being sprayed with poo! Then they chased each other around the run trying to get bites of it. Thankfully. I think they would choke on one if they tried to eat it whole

 

[Abigrayl]

My hens have started laying so many more eggs since I moved them over to the new feed. It's possible it was a coincidence but as we've had a terribly cold week I doubt it. I feel so bad who knows how much damage I've done feeding them scratch for so long. They really needed the extra protein

 

[Percheron chick]

It was probably the gecko.
They benefit from some animal proteins.
Place a few logs or rocks in the run. Let the bugs accumulate under them and every few weeks roll them over for a tasty treat.