Grain alternative?

[jaqs1603]

Hi, I have 10 laying hens and one cockerel and would love to stop feeding them any form of bought grain, layers pellets, etc. They have a reasonable sized run but it's not enough to sustain them naturally, and it is neither feasible nor practical to give them complete freedom to roam and forage. Is there an alternative way of feeding them whilst keeping them safe? That is, what do they need to eat to remain healthy? Can I, for example, grow greens, etc for them, give them a shovel full of my compost daily (full of grubs and worms), etc, etc? Any help or suggestions hugely appreciated. Thanks everyone, have a lovely day

 

[dinosaw]

Hi Jaqs and welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately the short answer to your question is no. Modern birds are not like their farmyard cousins of a century ago (and even these were fed scratch grain), they produce eggs at a much greater rate, are heavier and consequently require a greater intake than greens alone mixed with grubs will give them. It is also a bad idea to be feeding large numbers of worms and grubs to them especially in a confined space as these contain the internal parasites which prey on them and will cause problems very quickly. It would be extremely difficult to replicate the nutrients, vitamins and amino acids in layers pellets even if you make your own mix including natural grains and without them you are just not going to reach the required calories.

 

[jaqs1603]

Hi, and thank you for your welcome and response, which was extremely helpful in a number of respects and which, unfortunately and sadly, makes complete sense. I'm trying to find a sustainable way of keeping my hens, back to the drawing board I guess...

 

[dinosaw]

Sorry I couldn't offer something that would help you out, I hope you find a way to keep your hens.

 

[chickenfan]

Hi Jaqs,

I know nothing about poultry nutrition, but I have a friend who feeds her birds sprouted grains to try and reduce the amount of imported soya they eat. Her birds do look very healthy but she gives them layers pellets as well. It would be very nice if there was a hemp or alternative to soya in the pellets.

 

[rick]

So difficult to get away from grain - its natures bird food! (not that a laying hen can rely on nature alone.)
Very much agree with sprouting. If you’ve got grain that’s viable to germinate then its twice as good sprouted and the enzymes help digestion of the main food (formulated pellets) so, in theory at least, sprouts should make the feed go further. I go through phases of having sprouts on the go (loading another couple of tablespoons of seed into a pot each day with 3-5 pots on the go depending on ambient temperature). It can feel like a bit of an extra chore but I'm sure its worth it.

 

[jaqs1603]

Thanks Chickenfan and Rick, both really helpful. Even if I can't move away from layers pellets completely, to reduce the amount fed would be fabulous. I will definitely look into sprouting grain, most definitely worth adding another chore to the daily list

 

[Marigold]

The most important thing is to research your choice of layers pellets very carefully, read the ingredients list and avoid cheap brands containing artificial colourings etc. There are some excellent brands on the market, including Allen and Pages Smallholder, Dodson and Horrell, and Garvo, which provide all that a chicken needs, with a balanced level of vitamins and minerals to promote safe and successful egg laying. If you want to add extras, be aware of the possibility that you may be upsetting this balance if you add too much of anything else. Wheat is low in protein, and whilst I'm sure the birds benefit from sprouting grains etc in small amounts, too much may eventually upset the balance of a good layers pellet.

 

[valeriebutterley]

Allen & Page smallholders keep lovely birds lovely, with the addition of cabbage, bolted lettuce when available, and a small scattering once a day of mixed corn once.

My girls do produce lovely eggs, and only when they reach their dotage do they have things like the rings of Saturn round them!

 

[rick]

Yes, as Marigold says, they are a treat - but in that rare category of being a hot favorite that also does them good (wish the same could be said of chocolate biscuits!)
Soak for 12 hours in a ventilated jar then drain and rinse twice a day until the roots start to tangle then serve.