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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
I have been feeding the chickens sprouted wheat for some time. I figured the wheat proteins or what ever my wife is allergic to get carried into the eggs. I am also wondering if sprouting the wheat makes it less allergenic.
This is sort of a follow up to my post below. one sprout oats for their chickens? My wife found out that she is allergic to wheat, barley and rye which shows up in the eggs. The only other grain that may be available is oats. Are sprouted oats good to feed chickens?
I know this is a tough question. My wife recently found out that she is allergic to wheat, barley and rye. I have been sprouting grains for the chickens (wheat and barley). Does anyone know if feeding sprouted grain would result in any less impact to the wheat or barley content in the eggs?
I have some Australorps that are missing patches of feathers (mostly on neck and back) and what feathers they have aren't shinny. However, they have been laying well and don't seem to be sick. I have caught a few of them and sprayed them with lice spray, but didn't seem to help. They free...