I have just read today's posts on natural feeding which of course is what I am striving to. When I first got the chickens the only "recipe" I could find was as follows:-
Ronda's Whole Grain Feed Recipe
2 parts whole corn (in winter increase to 3 or 4 parts)
3 parts soft white wheat
3 parts hard red winter wheat
1 part hulled barley
1 part oat groats
1 part sunflower seeds (in winter increase to 2 parts)
1 part millet
1 part kamut
1 part amaranth seeds
1 part split peas
1 part lentils
1 part quinoa
1 part sesame seeds
1/2 part flax seeds
1/2 part kelp granules
free choice of granite grit
free choice of oyster shell
"Ronda" (and I can't remember from where I got this) goes on to say "Note that all items are whole grains and are certified organic. If you are looking for the cheapest feed, this isn't it. If you are looking for a healthy natural feed for your flock, this is one way to go!"
I have tried to adapt this, many of the items I haven't even heard of, some, like the split peas and lentils, my girls would not entertain. I have finally found a good grain merchant (just up the road) and ran around with my trolley like a kid in a sweetshop. I am not that much of a purist that I insist on organic (yet) - enough for me to avoid the chemical additives and preservatives in commercially prepared feed. (Though still feed the household cats on commercial). Jane.