When you decide to feed your chickens, you need to consider a few things. Your first consideration is to buy a high quality product. This is a very important decision and will impact your birds for a long time to come. If you buy cheap chicken feed, your birds will not get the nutrition they need.
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Eggs
When it comes to cheap chicken feed, eggs can be an inexpensive option. They are filled with nutrients, and are easy to store. However, they are not the only low-cost option.
Aside from eggs, you can also use your own scraps to create an inexpensive chicken feed. Just be sure to mix the grains well to avoid shards.
Some of the best scraps to use include fruits and vegetables that are overripe. Your chickens will love these treats!
Another fun way to make cheap chicken feed is by mixing your own feed. For example, you can combine corn, grains, and other kitchen scraps to produce a high-protein, low-cost meal.
Sprouting seeds
Sprouting seeds can be a great addition to your chicken diet. These seeds are cheap and easy to grow. They can be purchased at your local health food store or garden center.
The amount of protein and fiber in sprouted grains varies by seed variety. However, they contain small amounts of fats and minerals.
Chickens love sprouts, especially during the colder months. These green treats also provide them with a source of vitamin C. It is important to rinse the sprouts in clean water before feeding them. You can place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to help the seeds sprout.
Fodder
While buying commercial chicken feed can be expensive, there are a few things you can do to make your own cheaper alternatives. One of them is fermenting grains. The process has many health benefits, and it’s a great way to stretch your feed budget.
Aside from saving money, fermented food is good for your immune system. It can even keep your chickens from coccidiosis. For best results, try to find a store that will let you try before you buy. You may even be able to get some free stuff.
Oyster shells
Oyster shells are a great source of calcium for hens. This is because the shells are actually a form of calcium carbonate.
Calcium is essential for chickens to lay eggs. It helps make them stronger and more stable. In addition to helping them build strong bones, it also promotes digestion. If there is a lack of calcium in their diet, their eggs could crack or become soft.
Chickens can consume a small amount of calcium as part of their normal feed. However, it is important to offer additional sources of this nutrient. For example, some table scraps can be mixed with their feed to increase their intake.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural and inexpensive way to keep your chickens healthy and parasite free. It is also a great alternative to toxic chemicals.
Many people raise chickens for a variety of reasons. Some want to know what goes into their food, others are interested in raising their own animals. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have a strategy for preventing and treating parasites.
A study published in the Journal of Poultry Science suggests that diatomaceous earth can reduce the external parasite load on hens. The researchers found that after a week, the chickens were no longer infested with mites.
Peanut meal
Peanut meal is a by-product of the peanut oil industry. It has high protein content. However, it also contains a lot of fat. Hence, it is best for chickens to be served in moderation.
Peanut meal is a good source of protein and phosphorus. Its arginine content is higher than that of soybean meal.
Peanut meal is an important source of energy for chickens. This is especially true for the baby chicks. They need a feed that is easily digestible.
Peanuts are legumes and provide twice the amount of protein that grains can. They are rich in fat and fiber. Moreover, they have antioxidants that boost the immune system.
Fishing
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on feeding your chickens. In fact, you can feed them for free. You can start by getting your hands on some fish. This is because fish have high protein content, which is important for your chickens. Also, fish have probiotics that help your chicken’s digestive system. Fish also provide amino acids.
Another cheap source of chicken feed is to feed your chickens some meat scraps. Chickens are omnivores and will eat any type of meat. They are more tolerant of cooked meat than raw. However, you should be careful when you are cooking them.
