Recent content by redsix

I will cut back on every food source except the layer feed. I'm also thinking about going back to feeding fermented layer feed.

Try mixing some oyster shells in with the feed.

We have a sickle bar type of mower that we use to cut the grass and an old horse drawn type dump rake that we rake it up with when dry.

We feed our chickens the following: layer crumbles, wheat sprouts, cracked corn (small amount), crushed oyster shells, and grit. They free range most of the year. I've been adding some crushed oyster shells to the layer feed to try to get them to eat more calcium. I'm still getting thin...

If water is sitting on the exterior widow sill, and could cause wood rot, you might want to add some flashing before you caulk.

First, all of your chickens will try to get to the highest roost. I used 2" by 3"'s. Chickens sit on the 3 inch side. The 2-inch side is not wide enough. A flat surface is better than a round surface so that they can sit on their feet to keep them warm.

First let me say, I am too cheap to buy cedar chips. I cut grass with the tractor when it is still mostly flat blades (6 to 8 inches tall) and not many stalks to use a litter after drying. It's soft and easy for the chickens to scratch in. I put a layer down that is around 1 foot deep before...

Could she have a broken egg inside her? Have her egg shells been thin?.

I use a wire dog cage to put the broodies in. I spread some of the wires apart so that they can reach the feed and water on the outside of the cage. They just turn the feed and water over if you place it on the inside.

Has the feed type changed due to the season, like not getting any green stuff to eat right now?.

It is more common when chickens first start laying. I assume that you have a supply of crushed oyster shells or other calcium source for them? I sometimes mix some crushed oyster shells with their feed.

Continue like nothing happened.u

I plan on joining if I have a broody hen available at the time. Maybe put 8 eggs under her? I have an incubator, but it makes it easier to introduce new chickens into the flock if they start out there with mama.

That also makes me wonder about cows milk. The dairy pellets that cows get probably has wheat in it. My wife doesn't spend any time at the chicken house or handling chickens. I think her only issue is eating something that has wheat, barley, or rye in it and it's not the gluten that she is...

What kind of feed do you buy? The layer feed that I buy just says "feed grains". I'm sure it has wheat in it as well.