Arizona Chickens

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Have a question. Been doing 2 parts fermented flock raiser to 1 part of a barley-flaked corn-protein pellet mix. They eat it no problem & eggs are going well for the 4 that are laying. The rest are the polish, bantam sultan & crevecoeur for 9 month old then the 6 month olds & my 3 order hens who the bantam Cochin & bantam sultan stopped with molt & haven't started with molt ended. My older sex link I think is just done. I noticed they were eating the bun pellets so I added those. Still eating. I'm going back to just the flock raiser in full as I work thru the mix.

With all that. Here's the problem. I think they all need more weight. I'm putting enough food out that there's still some at the end of the day. I've been giving veg scraps as I've got them. They're roaming the yard. All active, shiny feathers, etc. I feel the keel I think too much. The close feathered bird I can see a line down the chest. Suggestions for putting weight on? Should I add some game bird? Boss? Oats? Wheat? Coconut oil for a healthy fat?

I've got oats & wheat that I want to sprout or grow to fodder. Doubt if get any ground cover on the yard going.

Any suggestions are welcome. It's why I'm going back to just the flock raiser to see if that'd help. The lady at the feedstore said she hearing this from a lot of customers. I know overall I should barely feel the keel & bit lean is better than bit fat. Generally speaking they aren't dp or meat birds. The crevecoeur were originally, but I think they've moved away from that.

I do plan to breed some of these. Many are rare colors. The crevecoeur are on the critical list so I want to develop them back to the original dp birds they once were.

Thanks so much.

 

[ejcrist]

I guess that would be so for those that are working with more than one breed like I am doing. I'm just doing these Australorps. When I was looking to start up, I was looking for one breed that would be a good dual purpose chicken. I joined the site here because I could only contact Kurt (RattlesnakeRidgeWV) to get some of his hatching eggs as a member. lol I had been to this site many times before that to get answers on stuff I had been looking for. Now, I just have to learn how to butcher all of the boys that don't sell. I don't want to be feeding a bunch of roosters. lol

Well, I have to be careful. Hubby complains if he has to do anything to help with the chickens (like helping to build coops). I had to get my first chicks going before he would even help me to build the coop. He is a procrastinator for sure. I'm still wanting to build one more coop, but it will be to start a second flock going of the same breed.

Our neighbor recently asked me, "What do you have now? About 40 chickens?" LOL! If only! He was shocked when I said 100...and when I told him they all have names.

The reason I have so many is because 1) I'm working on a few projects with my NNs and it requires far more breeding and hatching than I'd originally thought, and 2) a lot of people are totally hooked on getting my extra eggs. I literally had a 2-week waiting list of people wanting eggs, and once the days grew shorter and the girls started to molt, I had fewer layers for the demand. So...in the spring I'll probably be doing a lot more butchering.

Gosh I know what you mean about egg demand. I started selling the extra's last May and anymore I barely have enough for us. They're really a hot item for some reason. I know they're a lot better than store-bought but I didn't think they'd sell that good. I want to add more layers but all my construction for the last couple months has been for the breeding birds. I'm trying to figure out where to put another layer coop/run because I'd like to have 50 birds just dedicated to laying only. The demand I've had so far would eat that right up. The margins aren't too bad either - I'd never get rich selling eggs but it's paid for all the feed for all birds plus all the material I had to buy for the new coop. So there is money to be made selling eggs. I've been charging $4/dozen, $5 for 18, and $6 for 2 dozen. I noticed the prices went up in the store I'm guessing with reports of bird flu going around again. I won't consider raising prices though unless we have a new ceiling over the long haul.

BlueBaby - you'll do good with a second coop since you're breeding. Heck, you can use all the room you can get. I'm finding there's never enough real estate when it comes to making your own chickens. I wish you luck.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Gosh I know what you mean about egg demand. I started selling the extra's last May and anymore I barely have enough for us. They're really a hot item for some reason. I know they're a lot better than store-bought but I didn't think they'd sell that good. I want to add more layers but all my construction for the last couple months has been for the breeding birds. I'm trying to figure out where to put another layer coop/run because I'd like to have 50 birds just dedicated to laying only. The demand I've had so far would eat that right up. The margins aren't too bad either - I'd never get rich selling eggs but it's paid for all the feed for all birds plus all the material I had to buy for the new coop. So there is money to be made selling eggs. I've been charging $4/dozen, $5 for 18, and $6 for 2 dozen. I noticed the prices went up in the store I'm guessing with reports of bird flu going around again. I won't consider raising prices though unless we have a new ceiling over the long haul.

BlueBaby - you'll do good with a second coop since you're breeding. Heck, you can use all the room you can get. I'm finding there's never enough real estate when it comes to making your own chickens. I wish you luck.

I've had 2 people buying on occasion. Where did you get people interested in buying? I'm thinking of filling out the nest egg form with the state AG Dept & putting up a Craigslist ad. I get more eggs than I can eat. It'd be nice to have the chicks be self supporting. I'm averaging 3 eggs a day. Once everyone else starts I'll really be in it. Granted, once I start breeding that'll change. I'm still a ways away from that.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[BlueBaby]

Gosh I know what you mean about egg demand. I started selling the extra's last May and anymore I barely have enough for us. They're really a hot item for some reason. I know they're a lot better than store-bought but I didn't think they'd sell that good. I want to add more layers but all my construction for the last couple months has been for the breeding birds. I'm trying to figure out where to put another layer coop/run because I'd like to have 50 birds just dedicated to laying only. The demand I've had so far would eat that right up. The margins aren't too bad either - I'd never get rich selling eggs but it's paid for all the feed for all birds plus all the material I had to buy for the new coop. So there is money to be made selling eggs. I've been charging $4/dozen, $5 for 18, and $6 for 2 dozen. I noticed the prices went up in the store I'm guessing with reports of bird flu going around again. I won't consider raising prices though unless we have a new ceiling over the long haul.

BlueBaby - you'll do good with a second coop since you're breeding. Heck, you can use all the room you can get. I'm finding there's never enough real estate when it comes to making your own chickens. I wish you luck.

Yes, you are right about me needing that second coop. I want to bring in another rooster, and the only way that I could do that now, is by putting the roosters in those large wire dog crates and only letting one out at a time to breed the hens? Seriously though, I have been trying to build up my flock enough so that they will all not be closely related. I know who is who when it comes to my hens, and which rooster that I would want them to be with.

 

[ejcrist]

I've had 2 people buying on occasion. Where did you get people interested in buying? I'm thinking of filling out the nest egg form with the state AG Dept & putting up a Craigslist ad. I get more eggs than I can eat. It'd be nice to have the chicks be self supporting. I'm averaging 3 eggs a day. Once everyone else starts I'll really be in it. Granted, once I start breeding that'll change. I'm still a ways away from that.

Thanks for any ideas.

The first thing I did was send in the Nest Run Producer form so I was legal and create my own labels; I made a label with our address and phone and another label that says "Nest Run - Ungraded" since you have to state that on your cartons. Also you can use recycled cartons but you have to remove any references to the company printed on the cartons which is easily done with a black magic marker. Once that was done I put an add in Local Hens (http://localhens.com/) which is free. After that I did what all good salesmen do and gave out a couple of free dozens to people at work, some of my relatives, friends, etc., so they could taste the difference rather than shelling out more money for eggs than they were used to paying because you'll inevitably get someone that says they're cheaper at Walmart. After that I went a couple of days and started getting calls from people wanting to stop by to pick up some eggs. After a while the trickle that began turned into a flood. Most of the people that buy were from word of mouth and a couple from the Local Hens ad. Once people try 'em they see the difference and I guess the price doesn't seem too high at that point. Also another potential market is the Farmers Markets. People at the Farmers Markets charge $3 for 6. So yeah, I recommend giving them out for free to get people to try them but just be sure to include your name, address, and phone on the label so they know where to come back for more. I think you'll be surprised at how much people like them.

 

[ejcrist]

Yes, you are right about me needing that second coop. I want to bring in another rooster, and the only way that I could do that now, is by putting the roosters in those large wire dog crates and only letting one out at a time to breed the hens? Seriously though, I have been trying to build up my flock enough so that they will all not be closely related. I know who is who when it comes to my hens, and which rooster that I would want them to be with.

Gotcha. Have you read any of the books on line breeding? It was confusing to me at first but I think I understand it now. I have a couple of good books on the subject. Also I bought a copy of ZooEasy which I like a lot. ZooEasy V13 has an improved function that calculates the inbreeding coefficient when you don't know the parents, like for the first birds you paired up if the breeder didn't provide the info.

 

[ejcrist]

Yes, you are right about me needing that second coop. I want to bring in another rooster, and the only way that I could do that now, is by putting the roosters in those large wire dog crates and only letting one out at a time to breed the hens? Seriously though, I have been trying to build up my flock enough so that they will all not be closely related. I know who is who when it comes to my hens, and which rooster that I would want them to be with.

Forgot to ask but are you using breeding pens? I'm in the process of building them and I'm planning to put the breeding hens in them and rotating the cock amongst them daily, that way I know which hen laid which egg so I can keep the dams straight. The pens don't need to be big. I'm making my bank of pens 4'X6'. It's a lot more efficient than building coops to accomplish the same thing since they only need to occupy the pens during the time you're breeding them. Just something to think about if you haven't already.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

The first thing I did was send in the Nest Run Producer form so I was legal and create my own labels; I made a label with our address and phone and another label that says "Nest Run - Ungraded" since you have to state that on your cartons. Also you can use recycled cartons but you have to remove any references to the company printed on the cartons which is easily done with a black magic marker. Once that was done I put an add in Local Hens (http://localhens.com/) which is free. After that I did what all good salesmen do and gave out a couple of free dozens to people at work, some of my relatives, friends, etc., so they could taste the difference rather than shelling out more money for eggs than they were used to paying because you'll inevitably get someone that says they're cheaper at Walmart. After that I went a couple of days and started getting calls from people wanting to stop by to pick up some eggs. After a while the trickle that began turned into a flood. Most of the people that buy were from word of mouth and a couple from the Local Hens ad. Once people try 'em they see the difference and I guess the price doesn't seem too high at that point. Also another potential market is the Farmers Markets. People at the Farmers Markets charge $3 for 6. So yeah, I recommend giving them out for free to get people to try them but just be sure to include your name, address, and phone on the label so they know where to come back for more. I think you'll be surprised at how much people like them.

Thanks. Did you get anything back from the state about the form? Wondering if I'd be good to start just with the sending. Maybe I'll do a bucketful at my doctors' offices. If they'd let me. I could print up cards with my information.

I don't work due to disability & most friends bailed. The 2 who still talk to me are rare for when & live far from here. Only family here is who got me into chickens. So my word of mouth is limited. I'll definitely talk to the friends. I'm willing to setup a delivery, especially if the person would buy regularly.

I have a replace or refund per egg if there's ever an issue. Which, when I'd gotten eggs from my dad there was a few about boiled. That's part of why I got more layers. You never know somethings until you open an egg too. I replace 2 for 1. I feel bad if there's a bad egg. Needless to say I no longer get eggs from dad.

I don't do cartons unless they have them. I've been wrapping each egg in newspaper then put 4 in a bag you put vegetables in then put 3 of those into a plastic grocery bag. Cuts down on waste. I use a bucket, rolling cooler, or similar to carry & deliver them. My thought is anyone who's regular would have an Easter, Halloween, or some type of bucket. If they took home the bucket they'd bring it back to swap. Take a quarter or fifty cents off the price. I could tie a card with my information on the bucket or write it on it.

Do you think any of it would work? What about the buckets? Bad idea? Do you think I'd need to black out the store names on the bags?

Appreciate the help & information!

 

[DesertChic]

Have a question. Been doing 2 parts fermented flock raiser to 1 part of a barley-flaked corn-protein pellet mix. They eat it no problem & eggs are going well for the 4 that are laying. The rest are the polish, bantam sultan & crevecoeur for 9 month old then the 6 month olds & my 3 order hens who the bantam Cochin & bantam sultan stopped with molt & haven't started with molt ended. My older sex link I think is just done. I noticed they were eating the bun pellets so I added those. Still eating. I'm going back to just the flock raiser in full as I work thru the mix.

With all that. Here's the problem. I think they all need more weight. I'm putting enough food out that there's still some at the end of the day. I've been giving veg scraps as I've got them. They're roaming the yard. All active, shiny feathers, etc. I feel the keel I think too much. The close feathered bird I can see a line down the chest. Suggestions for putting weight on? Should I add some game bird? Boss? Oats? Wheat? Coconut oil for a healthy fat?

I've got oats & wheat that I want to sprout or grow to fodder. Doubt if get any ground cover on the yard going.

Any suggestions are welcome. It's why I'm going back to just the flock raiser to see if that'd help. The lady at the feedstore said she hearing this from a lot of customers. I know overall I should barely feel the keel & bit lean is better than bit fat. Generally speaking they aren't dp or meat birds. The crevecoeur were originally, but I think they've moved away from that.

I do plan to breed some of these. Many are rare colors. The crevecoeur are on the critical list so I want to develop them back to the original dp birds they once were.

Thanks so much.

My first question is, are they getting any animal protein? A lot of chicken feed you buy at the store nowadays is vegetarian, but chickens are omnivores and need animal protein. Mine get fish meal in their food, meat scraps from our own meals, and chopped hard boiled egg when I have enough extras or I think they need the boost. They can also consume some dairy products, such as raw milk (great for fermenting food), plain yogurt or kefir, and cottage cheese. Keep in mind that what you're looking for is muscle, and muscle is best built from the amino acids found in meat protein.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

My first question is, are they getting any animal protein? A lot of chicken feed you buy at the store nowadays is vegetarian, but chickens are omnivores and need animal protein. Mine get fish meal in their food, meat scraps from our own meals, and chopped hard boiled egg when I have enough extras or I think they need the boost. They can also consume some dairy products, such as raw milk (great for fermenting food), plain yogurt or kefir, and cottage cheese. Keep in mind that what you're looking for is muscle, and muscle is best built from the amino acids found in meat protein.

It's Purina flock raiser. Looks like the closest to animal protein is from the probiotics they add. Otherwise it's whatever bugs they find.

I was thinking about giving them some eggs. I haven't for a while. I'll boil & scramble a bunch since I've got lot of extras.

Been reading about fishmeal. Also some people have given cat food?? I'll have to see where I can get it from.

Would a whey protein powder that's low in sugar be good for them? I could mix it into the feed.

Goat milk, would it be good? I've seen some folks advertise it on Craigslist. Plus there are lot of people here with goats I could see if they'd sell it to me.

Thanks! Appreciate it.