Backyard Chick Mash-up

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I lvoe Brahma too, which is too bad, because they are very poorly suited to both my climate and my needs

I see you have goats as well. I would LOOOVE me some Nigerians. Hopefully when we actually get moved out to the HH Acres Homestead.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Brahmas not worth the feed lol least with allot of cockerels they fill the freezer

Hubby says free ranging will put a dent in our feed bill. Hopefully, he is correct. Being Farmer Anthony and all I won't doubt him.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

My birds are eating about a quarter to a third less of their feed than normal right now thanks to free-ranging, so it is a possibility! You have to keep in mind, though, that the area they free-range over matters a lot when it comes to how much forage they can get off of it. Here, my birds range through a mixed wooded area with lots of different species of greens to peck at, shed leaves to dig through, low wet areas with lots of bugs to hunt, etc. If free-ranged on a trimmed lawn of just grass and not much else, they aren't going to pick up nearly as much forage.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

My birds are eating about a quarter to a third less of their feed than normal right now thanks to free-ranging, so it is a possibility! You have to keep in mind, though, that the area they free-range over matters a lot when it comes to how much forage they can get off of it. Here, my birds range through a mixed wooded area with lots of different species of greens to peck at, shed leaves to dig through, low wet areas with lots of bugs to hunt, etc. If free-ranged on a trimmed lawn of just grass and not much else, they aren't going to pick up nearly as much forage.

Sounds a lot like our peeps will be dealing with. There are at least 3 acres of wooded area. Also, I am learning how to grow a chicken pasture, permaculture; have ordered comfrey to plant and will be getting cover crops for the backyard. I am excited for their possibilities.

 

[samanthaoverton]

I see you have goats as well. I would LOOOVE me some Nigerians. Hopefully when we actually get moved out to the HH Acres Homestead.

I want Nigerian dwarfs too..I want a milking nanny..as long as you don't heat goat milk it tastes good. The protein chains are weak in goat milk. When the milk is boiled it tastes AWFUL. I had a Nubian as a kid. She was lovely. She had a deer face as in not dear

 

[samanthaoverton]

Hubby says free ranging will put a dent in our feed bill. Hopefully, he is correct. Being Farmer Anthony and all I won't doubt him.

I'm doing a feed plot for my gals. I'm closing off the one one area of fencing. I'm using this deer feed plot stuff (has seven plants). Maybe getting extra clover seed and some chickweed. Chickweed loves shade and cooler weather so I'm hoping fall will work in my favor. Chickweed is literally called chickweed because chickens love it. Edible for humans too..I used to forage. Haven't in a while.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My birds are eating about a quarter to a third less of their feed than normal right now thanks to free-ranging, so it is a possibility! You have to keep in mind, though, that the area they free-range over matters a lot when it comes to how much forage they can get off of it. Here, my birds range through a mixed wooded area with lots of different species of greens to peck at, shed leaves to dig through, low wet areas with lots of bugs to hunt, etc. If free-ranged on a trimmed lawn of just grass and not much else, they aren't going to pick up nearly as much forage.

That's essentially my experience too - saving about 35% on my feed bill.

 

[Iluveggers]

My girls have been eating a ton of grass & bugs, plus veggie scraps. I have lots of kale, Brussels sprouts l, Swiss chard, & cabbage planted, & I pull the “bad” leaves from the bottom and give them a pile every day. Plus cucumber & zucchini ends, & tomato tops. I am thinking this winter I might grow mache & other sprouts in the window for them. The snow will affect their foraging efforts but I’d like to still give them fresh greens…i think it’s healthier and they love them so much. I’ll sprinkle them around the covered run to give them a chance to walk around & look for them when it’s especially snowy.

We want goats too…don’t think the neighbors would be to keen on it. Will have to wait til DS graduates and I retire so we can move…for now the chickens and garden should keep us busy!