Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
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ClutchCrafter - Chick Keeper
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- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
- Location: Qingdao, China
Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
I recently read about a farm that replaced 75% of its chicken feed with Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic plant, and saw improved egg production and stronger shells. It sounds like an amazing supplement!
I keep a flock of 100 layers and plan to expand this year, so Id love to find a similar feed option to cut costs and boost nutrition. However, Im in Ireland, and Im not sure our climate is warm enough for Azolla.
Are there any other fast-growing, high-protein alternatives that would thrive in a cooler climate? I'd love to hear any suggestions!
I keep a flock of 100 layers and plan to expand this year, so Id love to find a similar feed option to cut costs and boost nutrition. However, Im in Ireland, and Im not sure our climate is warm enough for Azolla.
Are there any other fast-growing, high-protein alternatives that would thrive in a cooler climate? I'd love to hear any suggestions!
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ChickWrangler - Hatchling
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
- Location: Koror, Palau
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
You might not be able to replace 75% of their feed, but supplementing with a mix of sprouted grains, insects, and hardy greens could make a difference!
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EggSentinel - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:52 pm
- Location: Lhasa, China
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Have you looked into duckweed? It's high in protein, grows fast, and can handle cooler temperatures better than Azolla. Might be worth trying!
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Sprouted grains might be a good option. Barley fodder, for example, is nutritious, grows in a week, and can be produced indoors if the weather isn't ideal.
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BrooderBuddy - Hatchling
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- Location: Yaren, Nauru
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Since you have a large flock, you might want to experiment with multiple options,duckweed, sprouted grains, and mealworms could all work together as a supplement.
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TheEggMaven - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2025 12:07 am
- Location: Campo Grande, Brazil
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Ryegrass and white clover make great forage crops that chickens will happily eat. Might not replace 75% of their feed, but could help reduce costs.
TheEggMaven | Happy hens lay the tastiest eggs.
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CluckinAround - Hatchling
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- Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
You could try incorporating more free-ranging if possible. Letting your flock forage for bugs, worms, and greens can naturally supplement their diet.
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GardenGuru42 - Chick Keeper
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- Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Sunflower seeds and peas are high-protein crops that do well in cooler climates. You might be able to grow those as a supplement to cut costs.
I love chickens. Everyone loves chickens, don't they?
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HatchlingHustler - Hatchling
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- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
- Location: León, Nicaragua
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
Growing mushrooms on spent grain could be another idea. They offer amino acids chickens need, and you can use waste material to grow them.
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SustainableSoul - Chick Keeper
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- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2025 2:39 pm
- Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
Re: Alternative High-Protein Feed for Cooler Climates?
ClutchCrafter wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 2:34 am I recently read about a farm that replaced 75% of its chicken feed with Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic plant, and saw improved egg production and stronger shells. It sounds like an amazing supplement!
I keep a flock of 100 layers and plan to expand this year, so Id love to find a similar feed option to cut costs and boost nutrition. However, Im in Ireland, and Im not sure our climate is warm enough for Azolla.
Are there any other fast-growing, high-protein alternatives that would thrive in a cooler climate? I'd love to hear any suggestions!
Look into red clover,it's packed with protein and grows well in temperate climates. Chickens love it, and it helps improve soil quality too!
An overcrowded chicken farm produces fewer eggs.