The oats I've found are available in two varieties: 8% and 16% protien. I was thinking of getting the 16% protein. Should I just feed plain feed? There are alot of conflicting posts here about feeding. Some feed scratch, some dont, still others say use it on the floor of the coop to get the hens to rake it for you, while others say never use it at all because its like candy to them. I may just stay away from the scratch all together until I can be sure...<<puzzled>>
As far as the oats, my kids' 4h project leader recommended we use it to stretch our feed, but use the highest protein oats we can get. Please dont think I'm money motivated in posting this question. I'm not trying to save a buck here, and I dont want them to not get what they need, but if I cut their 18-20% layer ration with a 16% oat ration, and provide oyster shell for calcium, as well as grit and they free range.....wouldn't that be more than sufficient to keep them happy, fat, and healthy? Which would then be a money saver in the long run I suppose... ??
