[burnley mouton]

Hi there, got three hens a couple of months ago and feeding them layer's pellets + odd bits of leftover rice, pasta etc.  They also run around in the garden most afternoons and eat loads of grass and grubs.  I also give them their own shells (baked and crushed) to eat.  To tempt them into the run I use a handful of dried mealworms, which they are crazy about!  They seem really healthy and happy, lay eggs most days and are great fun to have around.  All your tips I read tonight have been really interestering and useful, especially the one about soaked bread, thank you!  

I was just wondering if it is possible to feed them on an alternative to the pellets or mash, but want to make sure they get everything they need at the same time.  We don't eat much in the way of processed food ourselves and would prefer it if I could them something I recognise!  Also, I'm new to keeping hens, so please let me know if you think there's anything else I should be doing.  
Hope you can help,
Carla

[poultrygeist]

Hello carla and welcome.

I've no idea about alternative feeds. Obviously, before the availability of pellets, there will have been many formulas.

I would guess Muntjac might well be the best person to advise. I'd be interested to know the answer myself.
Meantime, the pellets contain everything they need and are, I believe, natural and, in many case, organically sourced.

I'll keep an interested eye on this thread.

Rob

[Vember]

Un sure as to if this is any use to you it's an american site

http://www.lionsgrip.com/recipes.html

Also this taken from backyard chickens forum,

100# Layer Mash:Scratch mix =

50# Layer Mash
.75# cracked corn
.25# whole oats
.50# soft shell wheat
.50# rice bran
1#    sunflower
1#    millet mix
.50# flax
.25# granulated garlic
.25# brewer's yeast

Not sure what the# is. (oz's ?)

Welcome by the way

[poultrygeist]

Sounds like a right faff. Would guess the # could be any unit you like, as long as you stick to the same for all ingredients. You just end up with more or less of it.

Rob

[burnley mouton]

Thanks for the advise and the american website.  There's some stuff on there I've never heard of, but it's a great start.  I know it's a faff, but I don't mind spending some time on it.  

I can't believe how good this forum thing is, it's the first time I've done anything like this and it's great.  Had a really good Friday night in last night, going through loads of your questions and advice, brilliant!  (or very sad...?)  
Thanks again,
Carla

[poultrygeist]

 If you're sad, we're sadder !  

Hope you manage to work out a recipe.

Rob