jomaxsmith Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 I've just bought a bag of Marriage's organic mash to swap my girls onto as the old stuff runs out. I know that they can't have it too young (the guy at my local poultry centre described it as they need their egg laying equipment 'stretched' before they go on it !) but as my most recent layer has been laying for 2 months they should be safe from the risk of prolapse. I've just been reading the side of the bag and compared to the non-organic there seem to be a lot fewer ingredients! So, my question is, is organic mash a complete food in the same way as standard or should I be adding supplements (thereby negating the organic-ness!)? I already give them garlic, limestone flour and occasional poultry spice. Thanks Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 As far as I know, the mash is just ground up pellets. It takes longer for the hens to eat so helps fight boredom but I found it to be a LOT messier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted February 29, 2008 Author Share Posted February 29, 2008 Thanks for the reply, mine are already on mash - keeps them busy all day - but it's the organic bit I'm confused by! I don't mind the mess - they clean up after themselves (or perhaps that's the rats ?) Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 What's the difference in the list of ingredients? I can understand it if they have to use a more limited range of grains and stuff, since not everything might be available in organic form - and I guess some of the supplements added to the non-organic food might not qualify under organic standards. I would have thought that as long as the levels of protein, carbs and so on were equivalent, and you are providing your own supplements and greens, your hens should receive adequate nutrition - and both they and their eggs will be better for an organic diet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 The mash is made first then oil is added to make pellets as far as I am aware I would have thought that as long as the levels of protein, carbs and so on were equivalent, and you are providing your own supplements and greens, your hens should receive adequate nutrition - and both they and their eggs will be better for an organic diet! Thats my understanding too Eyren. Mine love mash and seem to lay very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 The mash is made first then oil is added to make pellets as far as I am aware Indeed - it would be better to say "mash is what pellets are made from" than "pellets are ground up mash". Unless the GM scientists have been breeding chickenfood plants and not telling us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...