A note, to myself, on some sites and books that have shaped (and are shaping) my understanding and provision for the animals we share our adventure with.
Lately, I've been exploring chickens. Right now, we're hopeful to have both egg layers and meat chickens, and so I'm learning how best to provide for both of them while paying attention to individual needs. One concern is balancing calcium intake with protein. I'm playing with different ideas on what to raise and grow.
Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, larvae:
In all cases of feeding a larvae or protein for chickens, it seems that raising it ourselves will to be the best option. The cost of raising is cheaper than purchasing, I'll never have to worry about keeping them in stock, and the upkeep seems to be incredibly easy.
Some dangers and things to be aware of in preparing to raise your own feed:
http://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/high-protein-chicken-foods.html
On eliminating the cost of chicken feed altogether -- though, I've found that when you cut the cost in one area, you add or create it in another. Still -- it's a good read, and offers some great points to think about.
http://www.makeitmissoula.com/2012/07/eliminate-the-cost-of-chicken-feed/
Black Soldier Fly Farming:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/553203/black-soldier-fly-farming
And because I consider opportunities from all angles, perhaps -- duck? To pull a quote from the article I've listed below:
"Ducks offer a few benefits that chickens do not. In terms of nutrition, duck eggs contain more fat and cholesterol than chicken eggs while providing other essential nutrients including vitamins A, B6, B12, niacin, iron, and calcium.
The eggs also tend to taste much better -- a trait attributed to ducks' ability to forage for up to 90% of their food. Grain-fed chicken eggs have a pale flavor and lightly colored yolk. Duck eggs, on the other hand, have a lot more flavor and deep orange yolks full of nutrients. "
Now, to be fair, the author unfairly compares grain-fed chicken to free-range duck.
http://www.resilientcommunities.com/ducks-for-backyard-protein/
