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Corn
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Corn for energy Corn is the main ingredient of most poultry feed. It provides the energy that the birds need to keep them active and healthy. Corn needs to be cracked or crushed for easy digestibility. This allows the poultry to be able to take advantage of it as an energy source. Corn and soy together comprise about 83 percent to 91 percent of the total ingredients in poultry grains.
Soy
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Soybeans for protein Soy is the other main ingredient found in poultry grains. Soy is readily available, generally in either flaked or powdered form, as a by-product of the soybean oil industry. Because soy contains an inhibitor that interferes with the digestion of protein by the poultry, it must be heat-treated before being fed. Heating deactivates the inhibitor and allows the soy to be used as an excellent source of protein.
Oats
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Rolled oats Rolled oats are often added to poultry grain combinations to provide an additional source of energy. Oats are relatively inexpensive and generally available.
Wheat and Barley
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Wheat Either of these ingredients may be added to poultry grain to provide another energy source for the poultry. Generally speaking, these ingredients are added to poultry grain in areas where they are grown and thus may be found inexpensively.
Milling By-Products
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By-products such as mixed grains, spilled grains and damaged or leftover grains are often added to poultry grain in order to provide an additional energy source and bulk for the feed.
Calcium
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Egg shells for calcium Calcium is necessary for strong bones and for the production of egg shells. Fast-growing meat birds need extra calcium to enable their legs to remain strong enough to carry their weight until they are butchered. Birds being used for egg production need a steady supply of calcium. In a small home flock, egg shells are often crushed and roasted and added back into the birds' feed to increase the calcium content of the feed.
Vitamins and Minerals
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A good source of vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy poultry. A good commercial mix added to the poultry grain will help the flock to remain healthy and productive. If the birds are confined this must include grit to help them grind and digest their food.
Storage Bin
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Plastic bin for storage Poultry grain is normally delivered in either paper or cloth bags, but these are not suitable for long-term storage of the grain. Rodents can chew through the bags and eat or contaminate the feed. Instead, use plastic or metal trash bins with tightly fitting lids as the easiest solution. For large quantities of grain, a wooden bin lined with metal or an all-metal container works well to keep pests out.
Mixer
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An appropriate mixer If you are going to mix the grain yourself, you will need some way to mix it thoroughly. A small portable rotating mixer, such as a cement mixer, does a good job. Do not mix grain in a mixer that has been used for cement, however, as this may cause undesirable feed contamination. Only use a clean mixer for your poultry grain mixing. If you prefer, a local mill can mix your poultry grain for you.
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Ingredients & Supplies for Poultry Grain
Your poultry flock needs the best of feed and care to grow and produce well. By paying careful attention to the selection of ingredients in their feed, you can significantly impact the health and yield of your birds. Feed needs to incorporate sources of energy, protein and minerals. Proper handling of the feed insures that the poultry grain will remain fresh and wholesome, reducing costs and extending storage life.