Arizona Chickens

[FeatherPugs]

@MagicChicken I'll have to read the bag on the feather fixer - I am assuming Purina feed. Maybe there something there I need to know!! @meetthebubus Right now I feed Purina layer crumbles. Seems to be eaten by all - has plenty of oyster shell although I also supplement oyster shell. I also feed some black oil sunflower seeds. Way, way, way back when I was told to feed extra protein for the heat, so sunflower seeds and mealy worms.

 

[nicollee]

@MagicChicken I also feed some black oil sunflower seeds. Way, way, way back when I was told to feed extra protein for the heat, so sunflower seeds and mealy worms.

Why do they need extra protein during the summer???

 

[meetthebubus]

There is one feed store I will never return to because I repeatedly got buggy feed from them and they blew me off when I tried to talk to them about it. The last batch of feed I got there was not only buggy it was rancid, like it had gotten wet at some point. Never going back there. I've been really happy since I switched feed stores.

Just take a good look at the feed on hand in the store, and watch how often the feed inventory rotates. If you see bugs all over the bags in the store that is not a good sign. I know you didn't mention bugs, but the feed could still be old.

Good luck.

Thanks! What store was this?

I stopped one organic brand bc it turned bright green neon when I gave it wet

 

[meetthebubus]

@FeatherPugs I went to tsc and got the Purina layer, thats the next thing that wont break the bank!



I think overall they are also a bit spoiled so I'm backing off the treats until I see them eating more feed

 

[FeatherPugs]

@nicollee as I understand it - from way, way, way back in my recesses called brain bank, it helps with the heat. Now I don't know the science behind it - it was just what I was taught so very long ago. Anybody can correct me as I truly don't remember why I was told to do this - extra with the heat and extra with molt. Won't offend me in any way at all if I'm way out of the ballpark on this.... learning is a good thing. AND having the science behind it works best!

 

[MagicChicken]

@MagicChicken I'll have to read the bag on the feather fixer - I am assuming Purina feed. Maybe there something there I need to know!! @meetthebubus Right now I feed Purina layer crumbles. Seems to be eaten by all - has plenty of oyster shell although I also supplement oyster shell. I also feed some black oil sunflower seeds. Way, way, way back when I was told to feed extra protein for the heat, so sunflower seeds and mealy worms.

Feather Fixer is made by Nutrena, which I've also seen as "Nutrena NatureWise" or just NatureWise. I've been using it for a couple of years now. I'm very happy with it. If your local feed store doesn't carry it you can ask them to order it, assuming they carry Nutrena products.

 

[nicollee]

@nicollee ...
.... learning is a good thing. AND having the science behind it works best!

I was just curious... I mean I was taught as a kid not to feed them meat, that it makes them mean... but I see people on here do just that, and don't feel it changes the chickens attitude. so yes science is good!

 

[BlueBaby]

@BlueBaby guess who's crowing! That little blue dude sounds like a kazoo! So freakin adorable.

You didn't name him Kazoo, did you?

 

[igorsMistress]

@FeatherPugs

https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/give-your-chickens-a-protein-kick

There's a small section in this article that says there is evidence that slightly higher protein is necessary for hot, humid climates like Australia.maybe 18 to 19% compared to 16% otherwise. I haven't found the science behind it, yet.
I find this interesting. Our climate is so dry most of the time but so darn hot. I feed my flock chick grower which is higher in protein, but now I wonder if I should avoid protein in treats.

 

[igorsMistress]

You didn't name him Kazoo, did you?

Not yet but it could happen!