Feed Woes

[Wifezilla]

As many of you know, I have ducks, but I also have quail. Quail need a very high protein content in their feed. I was getting 28% game bird/Meat bird starter for years. It worked great because I could feed it to the quail and the ducks. While the ducks don't need a protein content that high, I supplement with greens and whole grains so they aren't actually living on 28% protein feed. Easy Peasy!

While I was using that commercial feed, I was searching ways to get ORGANIC feed for the ducks and quail. HAH! I would have better luck getting unicorn blood Nobody out here seems to have the least bit of a problem feeding their animals GMO corn and soy. They don't even think twice about it and I think I made a few heads explode saying I wanted to get my birds OFF of corn and soy.

I am able to raise some food here and give the critters fresh greens in season, but I can't produce enough to get them off the bagged stuff so I plodded along and planted more for this year.

NOW I can't even get the 28% protein game bird feed! The manufacturer changed the formula, repackaged it, and just offers 22% protein feed. While adult quail may be ok with that, any chicks may have developmental issues with that low of a protein percentage.

So now I am just totally PO'd. I did find a good organic feed online but the shipping would mean paying about $50 for a 50# bag. If I have some feed custom blended, it would be cheaper, but then I have to order a whole ton!



rant rant rant rant

 

[freemotion]

What about worm bins or soldier fly larvae?

 

[miss_thenorth]

I hear ya. My commercial quail feed went up to $20 a bag. I have been contemplating raising crickets and feeding them to the quail as well as a scratch type feed. havent ventured that far yet, but if I continue with the quail, I might do it.

 

[savingdogs]

It seems like the cost of all the feed went up. Making it at home seems like the most excellent choice, whatever you can raise at home to supplement. I worry about the balance, however, I'm unsure with ducks how much protein is ideal, anyway?

 

[GOOGLE NIKOLA TESLA]

too bad where not close(i live in new england), i would give you the organically grown non GMO wheat and corn that i was growing, i was thinking of feeding the chickens this once i get some, some day..... but im sure after this years harvst i would have a good amount.
i strive to bring about a all organic, no pesticide, no GMO type of setup for food, for humans and the animals(i got none right now).

if u were my neighboor i would say come on over and harvest some crop for ur birds. i would rather have a neighboor who cares about sustainabilty than the mean neighboors that we have here, they tourment us because of the good work we do. they are purely jealous and its sad we can accomplish so much in the right atmosphere, we came from the city because of the same crap and here we are again,at least we have some space to do our work now lol. i hope u can find organic feed, maybe i will have to start it so that i can ship some your way some day lol..

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Hey Wifezilla

I totally understand your motivations.

I would suggest looking at Azure Standard , but it looks like they only typically deliver to Western Nevada or Montana and not to Colorado. So it probably wouldn't be a good deal for you.

I hope you find a source of quality feed in your area.

 

[TanksHill]

Wifezilla, what about sprouting the grains. That brings up the protein levels right?? So maybe using some of your home grown grain and sprouting it would be enough protein????

 

[ORChick]

Hey Wifezilla

I totally understand your motivations.

I would suggest looking at Azure Standard , but it looks like they only typically deliver to Western Nevada or Montana and not to Colorado. So it probably wouldn't be a good deal for you.

I hope you find a source of quality feed in your area.

Just happen to have the Azure schedule of deliveries handy, and it looks as though they do indeed deliver to CO. Just in case you are interested.

 

[Wifezilla]

They do deliver to Colorado. Of course I would have to order $500 worth of stuff at one time or get socked with shipping. I can usually come up with $20-$40 at one time. $500? not so much

Free, I have thought about meal worms or red wigglers. But I am so cramped on space, I am not sure where I would put a bin of bugs. Plus they are BUGS!!!! EEWWWWW!!!! (has an OFG-style girly hissy fit).

Tanks, I may have to go the sprouting route. Spring - Fall I can do that on the porch. Not sure how I would do it in Winter. I have so little counter space. I just need to win the lotto and buy a bigger house I guess ;D

 

[abifae]

You just need to eat Max. *laughs* Then you'd have all the space and money you needed.