Got us some ex commercial hens. <3

[ChikaInu]

Look at our nekkid lady! Her feathers are growing back so nicely already.

 

[NatJ]

Thank you! At the moment they are not laying.
Could I use my high protein game feed to make mash? I've got plenty.

This is the content of the game crumble I use for the pheasants atm:

Composition​

wheat, soya feed (produced from genetically modified soya), maize, rice bran, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sunflower oil, linseed, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate

Analytical constituents​

crude protein 23.0%, crude fat 4.5%, crude ash 7.0%, crude fibre 4.0%, methionine 0.56%, lysine 1.25%, phosphorus 0.78%, calcium 1.20%, sodium 0.15%

Yes, that should be fine.

The protein is higher than chickens usually need, but not high enough to cause any problems or be dangerous to them. So it should work as a mash for the ones with beak difficulties, and the chickens with normal beaks will enjoy it too.

 

[ChikaInu]

Yes, that should be fine.

The protein is higher than chickens usually need, but not high enough to cause any problems or be dangerous to them. So it should work as a mash for the ones with beak difficulties, and the chickens with normal beaks will enjoy it too.

Thank you! I migh pop this in as an extra evening feed for the chooks since if fed in the general run the ducks would have a field day.
I am sure all the ladies could benefit from the extra conditioning for a time, and I'll make sure to treat Beaky especially when I'm around.

 

[Shadrach]

This is the content of the game crumble I use for the pheasants atm:

Composition​

wheat, soya feed (produced from genetically modified soya), maize, rice bran, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sunflower oil, linseed, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate

Analytical constituents​

crude protein 23.0%, crude fat 4.5%, crude ash 7.0%, crude fibre 4.0%, methionine 0.56%, lysine 1.25%, phosphorus 0.78%, calcium 1.20%, sodium 0.15%

The methionine and lysine are okay but the crude protein is too high for chickens. One often sees these high protein feeds recommended on BYC.
It seems to be an American thing, but then the human population has the same view of protein it seems and eat twice the required amount on average.
I would look for a feed with a maximum of 18% protein. It's worth considering that in the UK 16% crude protein is the norm for high production hens.

 

[ChikaInu]

The methionine and lysine are okay but the crude protein is too high for chickens. One often sees these high protein feeds recommended on BYC.
It seems to be an American thing, but then the human population has the same view of protein it seems and eat twice the required amount on average.
I would look for a feed with a maximum of 18% protein. It's worth considering that in the UK 16% crude protein is the norm for high production hens.

Fair, it was just a thougt since I have it on hand.
I can get them some other feed or maybe simply soak the pellets they are on at the moment to make it into a mash that is easier for her to eat. I'm not sure what brand they are on but I can check. Pretty sure they are on layer pellets and some seed mix, same as the previous flock.


They are still getting extras on the side as well though and I have been watching Beaky closely when I go down there to hand out treats - it seems she has no problem with the greens, eggs or even digging out mealworms... though it takes her a bit longer than the others and that means she is missing out.

 

[NatJ]

The methionine and lysine are okay but the crude protein is too high for chickens. One often sees these high protein feeds recommended on BYC.
It seems to be an American thing, but then the human population has the same view of protein it seems and eat twice the required amount on average.
I would look for a feed with a maximum of 18% protein. It's worth considering that in the UK 16% crude protein is the norm for high production hens.

Do you mean it will actually harm chickens to eat that level of protein?
Or that it is pointless and a waste of money?

If it does not hurt the chickens (I don't think it will), I think it can make sense to use what a person has available, if they only need a small amount and the alternative is to buy another kind of feed.

I can get them some other feed or maybe simply soak the pellets they are on at the moment to make it into a mash that is easier for her to eat.

Yes, you can use pellets to make mash. They need to soak a little longer, but it's no big deal. The time difference is something like 5 minutes instead of 2, if I had to guess, although I've never actually timed it.

They are still getting extras on the side as well though and I have been watching Beaky closely when I go down there to hand out treats - it seems she has no problem with the greens, eggs or even digging out mealworms... though it takes her a bit longer than the others and that means she is missing out.

That's good!