Feed

We wish we could feed our Poultry on only Pasture Grasses, Bugs, Worms and other Pasture Proteins, but this is simply NOT possible. We must provide a base feed for them. Because we seek for a diversity in what our Poultry eat, our feed is a combination of Whole Grains, Seeds, Mash, Vitamins, and Minerals.

 

Below is more information about the different feeds we supply for our Poultry.

 

Whole Grain / Seed Mix | Usually about 60% of the total feed.

 

• This mix is our base feed and contains the following: Barley, Red Wheat, Oats, Milo, Millett, Sunflower, Safflower, and Green Peas. This makes up the majority of our feed. It is soaked in water and allowed to ferment for about 2 days before it is feed to the Poultry. This fermentation process allows for the production of Probiotics.

 

Conventional 24% Protein Corn and Soy Mash | Usually about 20% of the total feed. 

 

• We wish we didn't need the Mash, but over the years, we have discovered that we need it to produce healthy Poultry at the size we need. However, we have also discovered that we can minimize this amount and still reach our goals.

 

Mash Concentrate 38% Protein | Usually about 8% of the total feed.

 

• In order to meet the required Protein levels, we add a Concentrate to our mix. The Protein is primarily from Flax Seed. This concentrate contains a variety of Vitamins and Minerals. Whatever isn't absorbed by the Poultry, is pooped out and added to the soil.

 

IFA Chicken Starter | Usually about 12% of the total feed.

 

• The first 3 weeks in the life of Poultry is very pivotal. It is super important that they have a good start with the right amount of Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins. We want healthy and strong Poultry. IFA Chicken Starter excels at this. After the initial 3 weeks, this is phased out and the Whole Grain Mix, Mash, and Concentrate is phased in.

 

Base on what we feed our Poultry, two options are potentially available.

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Ben's Hens Standard: 

 

• Everything that is listed above and in those proportions. 

 

Corn Free / Soy Free: 

 

• The same as our Standard, but without the Conventional Mash. By Harvest Day, 75% of the feed we supplied was our Fermented Whole Grain / Seed Mix. In addition to the Concentrate (8%), they also required an extra amount of Starter (17%) to give them that extra boost. Technically, they had Corn and Soy from the Starter, but by Harvest Day, that is long gone. If this bothers you, don't accept this option.