Apple Cider Vinegar used a few times a week will make a stronger and more flexable feather. You may notice that some chickens have feathers that are brittle and easily broken. Give them ACV a few days a week and you'll see the difference. I'm sure there's other benefits too, but that's what I...
I had the same situation last year. I now add DE and whole fish to their feed twice a week and apple cider vinegar to their water twice a week on the same days with the DE and fish. Good heavy breasts, nice feathers, and they lay really good. Kelso
Note, I don't take our chicks out of the incubator until the third day, they come out hungry and thirsty. I always leave a few older chicks in the indoor brooder (lined with alfalfa hay) to teach the 3 day old chicks. I always have chick starter in a feeder for them. I normally feed two treats a...
Every other day mine get a ration of sliced apple, pear, banana, tomato, lettuce, cucumber and wheat bread to supplement their diet. Works for me. Kelso