What are you feeding your backyard chickens? Part of a sustaining household farm includes using the good around you. We find joy in recognizing the purpose around us.
We had a pretty decent storm this week at the farm. We noticed that quite a few apples fell to the ground from our apple trees. So, why not put them to a good purpose? Our team collected them from the ground, washed them up, and processed them in the food processor.
What Do Graywhale Farms Chickens Eat?
We feed our gorgeous hens, chicks, and beautiful pullets with a hearty meal supplemented with 22% protein for our rare bird species and 28% protein for the game birds like the Bruges Fighter. Because of the mineral deficiency here, we also supplement their diet with Selenium, Calcium, and Vitamin E.
With that said, your backyard chickens probably only need a 16% protein mix. With this roasted apple mash, we’re adding fiber, Vitamin C, protein, and other nutrients into their diet.
Disclaimer: do not process the seeds as they are toxic.
Roasted Apple Chicken Feed Recipe
When mixed, we distribute about ¼ cup per chicken. We have a much larger flock as a hatchery. So that is a good rule of thumb to follow for your backyard chicken flock.
- Clean and chop apples as needed for processing in the food processor.
- Process on the chip setting or make a mash. It’s up to you.
- Coat a baking sheet with vegetable oil.
- Spread the roasted apple mash in an even layer.
- Bake in a 350ºF oven for 15 minutes. We’re removing some of the moisture.
- Remove from oven an allow to cool.
- Mix the roasted apple mash in a 1:4 ratio with their daily feed.
- Serve the same day.
How are you adding nutrition to your chicken feed?
Enjoy!!