Tanglewood Hill

Chicken Tunnel Man

If you know me at all, you know I like to do things differently, and I like to do my research before diving into a project. As I began to research chicken feed, I realized that organic, non-medicated chick starter I was hoping to use was not as readily available as I thought it would be. Internet searches for nearby sources lead me to the idea of mixing my own feed. I came across the Greener Pastures Farm Chick Starter Recipe #3. I did some more research and found this recipe is often referenced in the discussion of home made chick starter. There is also lots of discussion regarding the use of soy free and fish meal free feed. This recipe solves these issues by eliminating these ingredients.

We made a trip to Outpost Natural Foods in Wauwatosa and found everything there we need. When it’s time to make their “grown-up” chicken feed I will consult with some nearby natural food stores to see what they can provide.

Here’s my version** of the Greener Pastures Farm recipe:

• 4 lbs. organic corn meal
• 4 lbs. hard red wheat
• 4 lbs. soft white wheat
• 2 lbs. barley
• 2 lbs. oat groats (aka whole oats)
• 2 lbs. shelled sunflower seeds
• 1 lb. lentils (I used French lentils because they’re smaller)
• 1 lb. split green peas
• 2 lbs. millet
• 1/2 lb. flax seeds
• 1 lb. seaweed
• garlic (several cloves per gallon of water)
• raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, aka ACV  (about 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water)
• Daily calcium source = organic milk or yogurt
• Daily protein source = freshly dug worms, organic scrambled eggs or dried mealworms

The cost was just under $40, which is about twice as much as pre-made organic chick starter. Accounts from others with experience say that the whole grains last about 5x times longer due to less waste.

**My final quantities are based on the information I read that says the chicks will consume 1lb. of feed per 10 checks per day. I decided to have ~25 lbs. of feed on hand for the chicks’ first 6 weeks. I converted “parts” into pounds and doubled the quantities of the original recipe.

Notes about feeding our chicks:

• I soak their grains in milk, yogurt or water. They seem to prefer it and it’s an easy way to get them their calcium.
• They get “treats” every day, such as a cabbage wedge or chopped veggies. It keeps them entertained and they really like it. The cabbage is a great calcium source, so I give it instead of dairy some days, and they LOVE it.
• In their box I put paper towel on top of pine shavings. It’s easy to change every day and helps keep the shavings out of their food & water.
• Giving them fresh worms is highly entertaining!