Organic Soy Free & Vegetarian Mash 20 kg (Certified to AS600 by Australian Certified Organic 10607)
Country Heritage Feeds has developed a layer feed specifically for chickens whose owners may be affected by, or who wish to avoid the use of soy and it has been made without the use of an animal ingredients such as meat or fish meal. This diet is perfect for those owners who themselves are vegetarian or simply prefer not feeding their chooks any animal material.
Feed Directions - CHF Organic Backyard Soy Free Layer Mash is formulated for laying birds. (Approx. 18 – 20 weeks). It is advisable to blend layer feed with CHF Organic Chicken Starter Grower feed from 16 weeks to assist with the transition onto the layer feed.
Typical feed consumption for a backyard laying hen fed on the CHF Organic Backyard Soy Free Layer Mash is between 130g – 150g per head per day. Feed is best provided ad lib as the birds naturally regulate their consumption according to their energy requirements. A specially designed self-feeder is the most suitable method of doing this. To obtain minimal wastage, ensure that the feeder is elevated so the birds can comfortably access the feed, but high enough so they cannot scratch it out onto the ground with their feet. Always ensure that birds have access to clean potable drinking water.
Nutrient Analysis:
Min. Crude Protein ..... 13.5% Min. Calcium (Ca) ...... 3.0%
Max. Crude Fibre ....... 7.0% Max. Calcium (Ca) ..... 4.5%
Max. Salt (NaCl) ........ 0.6% Min Phosphate (P)....... 0.4%
Copper...................... 5 mg/kg Max Phosphate (P)...... 1.0%
Selenium .................. 0.30 mg/kg
Questions & Answers.
Q. Have you got any comprehensive ingredient lists for your soyfree poultry feed formulas?
A. Unfortunately complete ingredient lists are not available for any of the organic feeds by Country Heritage Feeds. These recipes are a closely guarded secret of the manufacturer, which helps prevent others from copying their great feeds.
Q. I am interested in buying the Organic Soy Free & Vegetarian Mash 20 kg for my chickens but am concerned that the percentage of protein is not high enough. I believe laying chooks require 16% protein, whereas this product has 13.5%.
A. The typical poultry layer feed usually has around 14 to 16% protein, so this feed is not that far off at 13.5%. The 16% protein level you mentioned is recommended by some as the ideal protein level for laying hens but it is not essential and your hens will still happily lay eggs with slightly lower protein levels. Poultry that free-range will also pick up other sources of protein around the backyard. Mealworms or compost worms as a treat, now and then can also help boost protein levels.