Soy-Free and Corn-Free

We have had several inquiries about what our layers are eating from people who are looking for soy-free products and a few who are looking for corn-free products. During the summer, our layers are out on pastures, eating grass and bugs, but they always have available a mixed grain ration that is kept just inside the shelters at all times. We mill and mix that ration from Montana raised, certified organic, wheat, peas, and oats. Since the grains raised here are unusually high in protein compared to other parts of the country, we only need to add a small amount of fish meal (high in omega-3) to balance the ration, along with a mixture of natural vitamins and minerals approved for organic use. The calcium we use is mined right here in Montana. During the winter, since pastures are often snow covered and not green at all, we take green and leafy certified organic alfalfa hay raised from our own fields, and spread it in the yards for the layers to come out and scratch and eat.  We purposefully do NOT use soy products of any kind, and since organic corn is not plentiful in this area of Montana, we also use no corn.

January 2010

The chickens have survived the cold snaps this winter without too much trouble. We did have water pipes freeze for a short time, but John was able to put in some waterers with heaters until it warmed up. Though snow is not something they enjoy, they do go outside on nicer days to enjoy the fresh alfalfa hay that John puts out for them.