Mixing Our Own Whole Grain Soy-Free Chicken Feed, How-To, Cost, Storage & Calculator to Mix Your Own

[@loispatrick2594]

You also forgot to include that if you are feeding your chickens higher quality food, the end result is that you will be getting a higher quality/ nutritious egg or chicken to eat thus impacting your own health! The old saying, you are what you eat!

[@billwilliams9362]

I like eating a muffins

[@indie825]

You can tell just by looking at your birds that they are very well taken care. Good food, clean water and lots of room to wander make for a happy , health animal.

[@kennethhopson5013]

If youmixed some of that: about the first amount you put in; and put about 10 gallons of water and left it for about 2 weeks, you could strain it a have a homemade beer. Q

[@kennethhopson5013]

You do a great presentation +you give a history lesson about where you live.

[@debrezo58]

That rooster is just gorgeous!💖

[@damogranheart5521]

I think that explains why when you said your birds were molting, they didn't look like they had been dragged through a knot hole backward! They looked hale, hardy, and beautiful to me!

[@brendahorn4782]

I noticed the overalls first thing.

[@rhondamckinley4373]

I like your bibs! I wear bibs year around to work around our place.

[@vallovesnature8449]

I think your overalls are very fashionable. They look extremely comfortable. The feed mix is amazing & looks absolutely delicious. Not wonder they like it. Sending hugs & love to you, Clay, & all your critters ❤️❤️

[@mobile_noble4026]

Healthy happy chickens/ducks turns into can’t beat homegrown for taste, quality and food safety.

[@magamutts5726]

Hard to believe you’ve only had chickens for 2 years Ariel. I used to raise them many years ago and never knew as much as you already do. Your animals are so well taken care of, makes my heart sing. 🥰

[@marthabradas8873]

The quality of the eggs your hens produce is worth what you spend for sure!!!!

[@officemanager3300]

So am I to say correctly - that you use 50lb bags of each cob corn, oat & barley - black oil seeds - wild bird blend - bag of red wheat - lentils, peas- plus oats - and brewer yeast to make 2 metal cans. thanks

[@JaguwarSims]

"That's one of the advantages of living somewhere colder". I love your positivity.

[@3rubberboats]

Does not matter the cost. Got to keep the critters fed. Your doing good work Ariel. Enjoy life as we know you will. And make sure your have a super extra wonderful day.

[@magnushemlig3099]

Will spoken ❤

[@katherinekelly5380]

Costco is carrying red lentils - $7 for a 2 kg bag I also find if your grocery store has an Indian or Mexican food section it’s a great place to find big bags of lentils and grains for reasonable prices - the same store will often carry little bags of beans and lentils in the non-ethnic aisle at much higher prices 🤷‍♀️ like who is not going to walk through all the aisles of the store? I was shocked by the price difference

[@theresa5059]

Very informative. The price hike in such a short time is scary. 💰💰💰📈

[@phoebedigs1356]

We also throw in a deer carcass during hunting season. After my husband butchers and freezes the meat of course. They love it! This is a really good video. Thank you, I love this recipe!

[@threewins3]

Lucky chickens, well fed and cared for. I like your overalls, I think they are attractive. Also, they look cozy and warm. Thank you for this informative video.

[@pamelahansen5928]

I LOVE your new overalls- they are beautiful- and very fashionable to me😉- great, informative video- THANK YOU 💝

[@beverlymichael5830]

My chickens do not like green split peas. I even tried grinding them up a little smaller and nope they dont like them. I mix a mix of whole corn, sunflower seeds and oats. A supplement to their organic crumbles and I also ferment organic feed daily. They also get dried black fly larvae and also a handful of flax seed

[@FyNyth]

Interesting. They seem to be a favorite here. One of the first things they eat out of the mix.

[@ginnyandersen8527]

It's no wonder how healthy the birds are. That is a great combo and the extras make their diet even better for winter needs. So impressed with your animal husbandry. The change in costs is alarming, isn't it?

[@lindaleal809]

Very interesting. I appreciate the financial aspect, too. Your chickens are really lovely and healthy looking. Props to the caretaker. All things seem to be humming along on your homestead. But, how can you tell when a chicken is happy? They seem to have the most erratic temperaments in the farmyard. Best to you, Ariel and Clay.

[@sued.530]

Great video and very detailed. Your chickens look awesome due to your care in making sure they have quality food. In general I don't think most people know the efforts it takes to raise chickens for eggs or meat and only look at the cost of those items in the grocery stores. I hope one day I will be able to get some of my own as they are quite entertaining too.

[@mehtarelingolien]

I disagree with your comment that the overalls are "not fashionable". I personally think it does look really cute! And also very practical!

[@dfhepner]

Get a cement mixer to mix up the grains.

[@OnaMuir]

Brilliant recipe. Thank you for sharing. Adirondack’s temps similar-not always as extreme. Looking into Icelandics for future flocks. 🤗

[@jamiec4392]

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@juliedesalvo2475]

Wow, just wow!!!!! Thank you so much for posting this. We live in Southern Ontario, Canada in the Niagara Region ( we're sandwiched between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie ) and it's windy here. We just got our 1st flock of chickens and deciding what was the best way keep them happy during the cold winter months......and here you are with all this amazing information. Thank-you 😊

[@carolynalfonso4548]

You look great in your overalls!

[@lynnjacque5846]

Thank you, woolen snow pants are super cool.

[@vannemocilac274]

Thanks! I quit soaking my chicken’s food as they got older but I’m going back to it now. I mix all kinds of feed too. I take them a paper plate of room temp ground beef tallow when my deer scraps ran out. They love it!easier to tank up than the holder and it helps tame them. Thanks for all the work you do to bring us along!

[@alanb6587]

Is the yogurt cup of feed mix with water the ONLY feed your chickens get each day or do they also get s free choice of the dry mix also? It's not clear. And do the flax seeds need to be cracked or can they eat them whole. Great Videos...Stay Warm.

[@tshell41]

I'm wondering the same.

[@eileensvarczkopf1914]

I LOVE your overalls. They look great!!!

[@dinahward]

Doug you aright God bless you and Stacy

[@LWYOffGridHomestead]

Very cool...I was very interested in what you feed & how much it costs...enjoyed this video

[@aileensteele7298]

Our cat Lulu loves your birds. She jumps up by the tv and paws the tv screen. When the birds go off screen she goes behind the tv looking for them. They have a fan named Lulu. 🐓🐓🐓

[@christineosborne3155]

I had read to feed 1/3 lb feed per bird. How many birds do you have? Our 20 birds get way more bagged store bought food than your 3 cups. Am I over-feeding? I fed less and egg production all but stopped. I'm still learning. Thx

[@tolowreading6807]

In the Pacific Northwest where I live, overalls Are a fashion statement, lol.

[@geraldinefields1730]

Thank you.

[@lynh8378]

Have you tried Azure for bulk items? They sell lentils and dry peas. Just a thought. Neat video!

[@livingitup9647]

Ha! At first I thought your post said '...Whole Grain Soy Chicken Feed...' !!! 😳 Then I re-read it and was relieved to see it said, '...Soy FREE Chicken Feed...' A hyphen between words Soy and Free would help clarify that (wink). Anyway, good on ya for that, and for sharing your formula with everyone. Thank you so muc!. And blessings to you all for the coming year... it's shaping up to be a challenging one, but you are well positioned to avoid much of its impact. 🌟🙏☮

[@Lilginabanina]

That was an amazing and thorough explanation. Thank you!

[@Heather_LoveTheLittleHouse]

Great video! Lots of needed info. Thank you!! ❤

[@skytechbits]

Those are some happy healthy chickens and ducks. 🐔🦆

[@eileensvarczkopf1914]

Your video about the cycle of life...this video reminded me of that video. Your chicken have a great life!!

[@Sherriehoney]

Ok darlin...Im already on it and its working out great....saving $$$$$. Thank you.

[@Mark-qe9mr]

get your grains at your local feed mill. There should be feed mills if you are out west, then again, the is only one left open in northern NM. I make the trip and bring back a ton for 30 birds then I mix the whole grains and sprout them.

[@sewmanyquilts8042]

Ty for great video.

[@wymtnsage]

btw, thanks 4 this! we're only allowed 5 hens, but couldn't figure out how 2 feed them affordably, but this info is awesome- we're just under 4k ft east of y'all by the big horns in a small town- been watching u since your 1st vid, off n on- just started watchin again a few mos ago- u've come a lonnng way, lady! Father Bless y'all!

[@teresaroman3348]

My family started chickens and ducks in spring 2022. We are thrilled with the eggs. My husband and I were just wondering how much it is costing us to have farm eggs. I really appreciate your explanation and most especially your time.

[@lorraineowen7978]

I've decided in my next life I'm going to be a chicken on your farm. 😂 However if I'm to lay good eggs for you the deal is you don't put me in a pot🥚🙏😬🤣

[@tamiefoster4072]

We found non gmo organic seeds at a seed store locally,,we are making our own too, they do need the cracked corn which is gmo, but we got our black seeds, from seed store, the black seeds give them a lot of protein which they need to keep warm & helps laying, also I dry out their egg shells, put in zip lock bag, crush to 1/4 inch so they can utilize it, do not make into powder, it doesn't wk as well at all...also ADD flaxseed to your mix,full of vitimins,omegas, nutrients, can add chia seeds too ,but for sure flaxseed

[@sparrowgarden1401]

I ave grown our own millet and milo. It was pretty easy and the birds love it.

[@beckyjohnson3153]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@lindaleal809]

Just wondering if you still use the soap nuts for laundry? I am about to purchase more laundry product and have some soap sheets to try but wondered about the soap nuts for my small washing machine. Thank you for the info and all you do to share high quality videos and excellent information.

[@GoodTimesHomestead]

I am beyond excited because this is exactly the mix we just made! We let the kids mix it in the 50 gallon barrel and a kiddie pool but I like your method better.

[@missmamtube]

Shalom! Your mixture of seeds and grains are wonderful. I must try them for my chickens, ducks and turkeys. Thanky ou and Bless you and yours.

[@claireleboucher4597]

Best wishes from France for this new year. May it bring you joy, health, happiness and lots of laughter. I look forward to all publications

[@MyHumbleNest]

Very informative! Thank you. Happy 2023

[@eileensvarczkopf1914]

Ariel, you are a delight!!!

[@Tamia4280]

Thank you for the very informative video. I've already come back twice to make sure I am getting the best mix ratio.

[@MusicLovingFool1]

I heard a lot of people are using goat feed to feed their chickens. I hope it doesn't have soy in it. I started reading labels of things I liked...like chocolate. It also has soy in it. Flipping amazing. We need to start a movement to take the soy out of our food supply. Seriously.... Have a great day people!

[@aliciaspears7847]

If you can find Guittard brand chocolate in your area - it does not contain soy ! Hope that helps

[@AO-sz5ci]

I’m definitely gonna try this! Best video I’ve seen..we have abt the same amount of chickens as well 😊😊

[@alicerafferty9595]

So, you are feeding them mostly a grain fed diet? No pellets?

[@karenpage9383]

Azure Standard out of Oregon is a great place for peas, lentils, and so much more, including feeds. If they deliver here in Georgia, surely they have a truck going out your way! You can have your items direct shipped to your home, but that isn't feasible for the quantity I usually buy.

[@alicecain4851]

Your chickens have always laid well and been beautiful. I can't believe the price of eggs up your way! Do you ever trade or sell your eggs or does your group eat them all? Do you feed raw to your dog's and/or do they get eggs too? I love the life you're living! I thought I would miss your old place more than I do but this place is keeping you busy enough that I'm not missing it at all! LoL I'm glad you and Clay seem content and I know sooner than I'm ready you'll be building your own a-bit-bigger home for Clay to retire to - if either of you actually "retire" that is. Thank you for all you share Ariel! 🏡 🐕 🐓 ❄️ 🐈‍⬛🦌🦆🐝🌻

[@marianfrances4959]

Actually, I like the overalls! 👍🇨🇦😎🐓🦆🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@tracycouture3955]

Great information, beautiful healthy animals👍

[@OnaMuir]

Have you looked to Azure for supplies? Maybe not available in your region. Even in mine, a long trip for pick up. Good to do quarterly.

[@thegroundedstarseeds]

Thanks a lot Ariel for this very thorough video on the subject, this will be for sure extremely useful to other people who have chickens or plan to raise them. Very hands on useful info. Gratitude for sharing!

[@dorisharrison9885]

They look very healthy and laying well👍

[@Flowergurl2000]

You make those overalls LOOK GOOD!!!

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

Great informative video again Ariel. I was reading recently from a farmer living in Alaska I believe, that chooks get their body heat/warmth from their food so he feeds his birds in the evening in particular and that way they keep themselves warm in such freezing cold conditions. This eliminates the need for heating and he doesn't let lights in their coops either. It sounds like you're pretty much understanding these principles also hence healthy chooks and a continuous supply of eggs. The intonations of your voice makes all your verbiage so easy to listen to. And what an astute hubby you have in providing you with those stylish and warm overalls for your cold winter weather!!! Thankyou for the presentation , stay happy healthy and Holy, til next time 'Bye from Ipswich Queensland Australia 🇦🇺🤗🙏💞✌️👍👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇲

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Flax here in Oakland,CA is still blooming...40s at night, 50s int he day.

[@cherokeerose12]

Thank you so much 💓 I was wondering how to do this

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Thank you for doing this. I mentioned you on another channel talking about your fermented feed...I forget the exact topic but was telling folks that you give them fermented seeds. and to see your old video on your sprouted seed mix. Oh, I know I think it was bolstering chks immune systems? I said I know nothing except you sprout/ferment for some reason...that is the regular feed and what you give them for feed. I guess it is the cold and of course the current bane (disease?). Great minds think alike...I was going to ask about the oyster shells. Thanks again.

[@NaturalLivingHomesteader]

My ducks only sleep in their house if there is a blizzard. They do lay in their nesting boxes though. Extra niacin is not really needed after they are about 10 weeks old. I keep all my feed and pine bedding in galvanized barrels as well. Works great to keep critters out and everything dry.

[@rubypanterra.]

I love your poultry videos 💫

[@betty8173]

This is great, thank you so much! We are just making our own, and found a lot we needed at Azure Standard. Your birds are gorgeous!

[@calicat7794]

Great looking chickens and a great Momma!🙂

[@marilynmarilynohearn476]

Love your overalls I'm looking for some good ones.

[@Johnsoncrna]

I think your overalls are awesome. And thanks for sharing your numbers. Wow, that’s a bargain for eggs!

[@RVthereyetmemaw]

Do you use your egg shells for extra calcium?

[@jred1838]

This is great! I like the option of mixing what is important to me for the birds. Feed is sooo expensive now!

[@christybaum]

How many chickens do you have? Thank you for sharing.

[@ajb.822]

Sunflower seeds are very high in Omega 6s, I found out a few yrs ago, so, one may want to balance with flax seeds or feed less of them, idk. . I shop online at Vitacost for much of my OG, natural or etc. foods & supplements needs, they always have free shipping for orders over $50, and sometimes have 15 or even 20 % off whole order deals ( pays to check your email regularly). Not everything is, but some are available in bulk or semi-bulk sizes too. I get my millet from there or my local health food store, for my own use. The bulk bins at the health food store can be cheaper per pound for some things than my online orders, sometimes.

[@dawncierelli1510]

good job Ariel! that's about what I put in my mix and I've got chickens roosters and guineas right now but I'm looking into ducks

[@angelaford4148]

How much brewers yeast do you mix with the feed

[@GoodTimesHomestead]

I love how you made a duck but and they don’t use it. We made a Guinea mansion and no one roosts in it. 😂 love that feed shelter next to the chickens.

[@GeorgeMcintyre-q7d]

Also use hole corn 🌽 😋 ❤

[@davidwhite4474]

Go to HF if you have one and get a cement mixer to do the mixing .

[@maryreddell6529]

Another awesome video- thank you!

[@lizhaydon2250]

Thank you for this very informative video. Moving in the direction of starting my own flock this year. Cheers and have a great year.

[@kindredinspirit]

Wow great! So three cups of feed mix soaked is enough daily food for 21 chickens? Then of course the winter time treats and fat grains as a little snack. I think I’m over feeding my chickens. I was giving about 4 cups dry to 17 and also a cup of scratch tossed on the ground in the afternoon. I didn’t hear the part of the brewers yeast mixed in, how do you do that and how much in the barrel or do you add it to the daily ferment portion?

[@FyNyth]

Icelandic's are small chickens with a long heritage of eating a very small amount so I probably should have mentioned that many larger breeds would consume more volume. The brewers yeast is detailed in the video.

[@alicecain4851]

@@FyNyth what size eggs do they lay when they're regularly laying? What we would consider small or medium?

[@FyNyth]

Lots more details about their breed in this post - fynyth.blogspot.com/2022/02/choosing-icelandic-chickens-for-our.html

[@riverunner9978]

Please send that wind here to northern Maine to clear out my 6 feet of snow!

[@heyitsrachelgrace]

Thank you for making this video, Ariel! ☺ I don't prefer using pre-made chicken feed so it's great to see how you're successfully keeping chickens without needing pre-made feeds! Azure Standard has good options for organic and non-GMO bulk grains/seeds/legumes! Have you checked them out? 🙂

[@ajb.822]

On the suet - it may be cheaper to buy it from a butcher, than to get the suet in the squares sold in stores for bird watchers-feeders to use. One can also save the suet trimmings from butchering deer, in your freezer, and throw the carcass to the chickens to pick clean ( my friends do this w no problems, regardless of temps here in WI at that time, and some deer are gotten during bow hunting, in Oct. ).

[@kimkennedy123]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@LettiesLife]

I simply adore you Ariel. 💜 I know you wouldn’t even know how to react as I say this as a perfect stranger BUT gf, I’ve been watching you for years & I simply adore you! Wisdom so beyond your age, always, and in all ways! I’ve learned so much from you and you’re one of my YT kids cuz I’m old nuff to be your mamma. Anyways, I hardly ever comment but every so often, I just got to tell you how loved you are and how we all adore you! Thanks for all the common knowledge cuz the world has lost it. 💜U! 🦋 I hoe 2023 is your best year ever. 🦋💜🦋

[@kindredinspirit]

Are those rolled oats or the oat groats? The COB-Does it contain molasses too? Lastly can you share the feed store that you purchase the Cob at? Or the brand name on the cob bag? How do you prepare the egg shells for the chickens after you have cracked them?

[@philliphall5198]

I use a deer block and wait tell they drop price

[@nvalles2565]

Egg shells. Just dry them out and then use a rolling pin. Put them in a bag and told them to bits. Save in an old container.

[@terrymcphail6443]

You might check Azure Standard for bulk organic grains if you haven't already.