Buy Local Food In Kitsap

Diana Ambauen-Meade and friend

By Diana Ambauen Meade

My husband, Dennis, and I have had our small flock of 15 laying hens since the spring of 2008. From day one I mixed my own feed because I wanted them to have the best available whole grain mix and nothing meeting my criteria was available at the local feed stores. So, I began to research on the internet, talk to poultry experts and experiment with different feed combinations and observe how the birds responded. I have worked the recipe over this time and have developed a nutritious and delicious (according to the girls) feed that consists of organic and conventional whole grains, peas, seeds, alfalfa, kelp, fish meal, and more. Protein is extremely important to chickens for their health and for their eggs and my formula provides between 17-18% protein (over the minimum requirement). I also add an organic vitamin/mineral supplement to be sure the gals are getting all their bases covered.

For more information you may email me at drameade@gmail.com or phone 360-981-8597.

Many farmers do supplement their chickens’ diet with greens, vegetables and fruits grown on their farm; all of which provide great additional nutrition. Chickens are grazers and need the whole grains as well as the grass and pastures they find at home.

Daily Grain

I raise chickens for their eggs only (we are vegetarians). The feed definitely raises the nutrition value of the eggs. They are very high in omega 3 which is a direct result of the feed (fish meal, alfalfa) and the fact that my hens eat grass at will. Because we are what we eat it is only logical that a chicken fed a highly nutritious whole grain diet would be a healthier animal.
Eggs produced by small farm raised hens always taste better than factory farmed. They not only taste better they are better for you. Tests show that pastured chickens’ eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, less fat, more omega 3 and beta carotene. Check out this link – http://www.motherearthnews.com/eggs.aspx Eggs from hens that eat my feed are delicious; the yolks are bright yellow/orange, are firm and extra rich.

So as not to put all their eggs in one basket, my hens are pastured as well so they get the best of all worlds.
Here are some things my customers tell me about the feed:

“The girls LOVE it”

“They eat every bite and there is no waste – with my previous feed there was always a lot of waste.”

“They absolutely love it!”

The most important thing is knowing where our food, and the food we feed the animals that feed us, comes from and what it truly consists of. My feed is custom mixed so I control the ingredients and the quality. The most amazing thing is to be able to touch and see the real food ingredients in this mix as compared to a compressed pellet.  I feel confident that this is some of the best, nutritious feed a person can give their hens. I am looking to source the grains for my mixes from local farmers.  Please contact me if you are now or are willing to grow organic grains for livestock feed.

I prefer to sell the product in 50 lb bags but will put together custom amounts, even small amounts for those with just a few hens. Product may be picked up at my home (Bremerton) – arrangements made upon initial contact or at the new FreshLocal market located at 540 4th Street in Bremerton.

For more information about quantities, pricies and pickups  you may email me at drameade@gmail.com or phone 360-981-8597.
I really enjoy talking with people about raising birds and eggs and look forward to speaking with you.

For more information please visit http://www.scratchandpeck.com.