I find from the early days of chicks (8-10 days old), I purchased the very small live meal worms for treats. You can purchase 500 to 1000 fairly cheap. Once they figure out what they have in front of them, its all out charge! My chicks are now 8 weeks old and I have some one inch mealies that...
Once I clean all the old chips and manure out, I usually take it out away from the coupe and dump it out beyond the garden. In the summer the chickens will scratch in it and spread it out.
I just got back to raising chickens again after a 3 year absence.
I have a 4250 Farm Innovator unit. Very sinple and efficient. I had one of the yellow Chinese units, and had trouble making it work. Even my daughter got it to working, but it didn't stay up to speed.
I am raising BLRW...
My plans are to rid of one of the roosters. All my birds free range except the 2 or 3 that want to stay on the nest. I have a large area for them (10,000 sq. ft.) and lots of open dirt to scratch. Seldom do I find eggs outside the coop.
I have a total of 10 hens and 2 roosters. 2-3 of the hens are being broody. Often I move them off only to have them scramble back to the box.
I'm averaging 3-4 eggs a day. Not nearly enough. Is it possible with the heat and moisture affecting the production?
Although it maybe a bit costly to some, it will be an abundant usage to the chickens.
Everything in its place. Very nice setup. Congrats to a well layed out plan.
I just added some more pine chips today. Along w/DE sprinkled on top.
I will add more in a month or so. Most of the 17 birds will stay inside on those bitter cold and windy days. Back about a month ago I was in the coop and could smell the ammonia from urine. I cleaned it out. Put down...
I use DE when I either change out or add to the deep dish in the coop. I am thinking of getting a large tub. put some dirt in it w/DE mixed. Al the gang stay in the coop right now. Too cold outside. Thus more activity and no dusting themselves.
Last year after purchasing chicks from Murray McMurry and hatching some eggs I had too many roosters. Even after losing some to my fault of the heat lamp too high.
So in late August 15 roosters went to process. Leaving 2 for the 15 gals. The one Roo is dominate and will chase the other one...
I have a bread store across from where I do my grocery shopping. The bread is day old and inexpensive. Sometimes $.35 a loaf. Some is even cheaper, but often moldy. I'm a little more particular than that.
I have one hen that decides to explore outside of the extremely large fenced area. She must fly over. And then run along the fence to get back in. So i usually go around her and walk her back to the gate. Leaving it open enough for her to get in. You have to watch the other birds don't...
I usually purchase mine from a local feed store. They specialize in most all animals.
Right now for my chickens I feed a 17% high Omega Kalmbach for the eggs. The two roosters don't mind either. On a daily basis I give them a little scratch feed in the evening. Sometimes with added meal...