How to Formulate Your Own Chicken Feed
(Page 3 of 5)
September/October 1975
By Joan Salmonowicz
Now all we have to do is figure out how to put the various nutrients together in a combination which will contain a predetermined percentage of protein. This isn't as hard as it sounds, since there are formulas for the purpose. Unless you're a mathematical genius, however, you can't expect to apply such a rule to a wide variety of ingredients and end up with both accurate proportions and usable round numbers. Don't worry about it. The protein values of the suggested mixes are quite generous, and you needn't be afraid of shortchanging your flock if you have to alter their contents a little.
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The first step in formulating a feed mixture is to call your local grain elevator or dealer and find out what protein supplements are used in your area. (Some excellent sources-fish meal or peanut oil meal, for instance—are available only in certain sections of the country.) Note down the percentage of protein in each supplement, and the price per 100 pounds (smaller lots may be more costly). At the same time, ask the fee for grinding and mixing. Some operators have a set minimum rate for this service, while others charge so much per bag. And—speaking of bags—check the price of burlap sacks if you don't have your own.
You should be aware, at this stage in your project, that it's good economics to have feed mixed in the largest practicable quantities. If possible, plan to buy all your ingredients in 50 or 100-pound lots and take home any extras to be used the next time you whip up a batch. In northern regions, where the cold tends to retard deterioration, the storage of ground grains presents no problems in winter and you'll do well to have an entire season's chicken rations prepared all at once.
OK, at this point you know—on the basis of your own resources and your conversation with the feed dealer—what ingredients you want to include in the ration you're formulating and you also have an idea of how big a batch you want made up. It's now time to sit down and figure out how many pounds of each component you'll need for a given weight of balanced mix. This is done by the "square" method.
First write down the percentages of protein contained in all the supplements you plan to use, add the figures, and take the average (I'm assuming you intend to use the ingredients in equal amounts). A protein value of 10% is always assigned to grains of whatever type, since that's the overall average for common cereals.
Next, decide what protein content you want for the mix as a whole. You'll need a 20% ration if you're going to feed laying hens half whole grain and half mix, 15% if mix is fed exclusively, 20% for baby chicks up to 8 weeks of age, and 16% for young birds from 8 weeks to laying or slaughter size.
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