calling any one from missouri

[EdenCamp]

If your feed doesn't incorporate added calcium it won't hurt the growth of the youngsters. But they still need higher level of protein than layer feed levels to ensure optimum growth and development. 6-8 weeks can make a huge difference in how they grow out and mature. Better to provide the hens higher levels - egg bonanza and get them in great condition. Your chickens, your choice......

 

[Lady K]

Hello all! Has anyone moved with their girls? We are moving 13 hrs away in June and are not sure how to get our girls there, help please.

 

[mrballance]

Hello all! Has anyone moved with their girls? We are moving 13 hrs away in June and are not sure how to get our girls there, help please.

What you leaving Missouri ?

 

[potagergirl]

Hey, I'm going to add pullets to my flock when they get to the age of 12 weeks can I feed them the same layer feed as the rest. They free range about two hours a day when I get home from work.

your pullets will be fine.
I used to go crazy trying to make sure my chickens had exactly what they needed on top of free ranging and scraps because I mix my own seed for feed.
I have found chickens will eat 1 what they like and 2 what they need. I have observed my birds for a year now and have done a lot of reading because of needing gluten free feed.
I've had people tell me my hens would never lay eggs because of what I am not giving them. Not only do they lay eggs but I have one hen that went broody in January and is
a wonderful mama to 10 chicks that hatched in February. I also have 12 fertilized eggs in the bator from these same hens.
I think we worry about what we are not doing or not providing when in fact the chickens know what they need and they will find it in the earth, trough or water. If you were not letting them free range a couple hours a day I would be concerned about protein for which I would say add some BOSS. no big deal just a boost of protein with the added fun for the chicken opening the shells to get the goody inside =) I also crush the egg shells and feed them back to my birds by placing it in a separate pan with some oyster shell. The roosters I have don't need it and they don't eat it only the hens.
What ever you decide I think is right for you =)

 

[Lady K]

What you leaving Missouri ?

yes, we are moving to Colorado

 

[elorraine52]

Hello all! Has anyone moved with their girls? We are moving 13 hrs away in June and are not sure how to get our girls there, help please.

I just put mine in cages, they did fine, we drove all night, and it took time to set up a spot for them, I just fed and watered them in the cages, until we got them situated....they stopped laying for awhile but were OK in the end....

 

[ocap]

Hello all! Has anyone moved with their girls? We are moving 13 hrs away in June and are not sure how to get our girls there, help please.

I drove non-stop with peafowl for that many hours and they made it fine, overcrowding in the heat will be bad, you could try a livestock hauler if you do not own a truck (horses travel often). Open top trailers are available at U-Haul.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Hey, I'm going to add pullets to my flock when they get to the age of 12 weeks can I feed them the same layer feed as the rest. They free range about two hours a day when I get home from work.

No, you can't feed layer feed to 12 week old pullets. Layer is 4% calcium. They should only be getting 1% calcium because they're not depositing 2 grams of calcium in an eggshell everyday.

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/12/2300.abstract

http://www.worldpoultry.net/Breeder...ing-hens-WP008719W/?intcmp=terug-naar-artikel

They would only be on it for 6 weeks. I don't have Roos and I have never gave them Oyster shell. I use old egg shells as Calcium boost. I feed organic that I buy in 50lb bag. Oh what to do ? what to do ? Thanks Eden

6 weeks is an eternity if you're talking about feeding excessive calcium to growing birds.

Hello all! Has anyone moved with their girls? We are moving 13 hrs away in June and are not sure how to get our girls there, help please.

Quote:

yes, we are moving to Colorado

cool, what part?

If you don't have enough cages, you can put them in moving boxes from Lowes or HD. They're under $1.50 each depending on size. Cut some holes in them. The darkness keeps them calm.

 

[mrballance]

No, you can't feed layer feed to 12 week old pullets.  Layer is 4% calcium. They should only be getting 1% calcium because they're not depositing 2 grams of calcium in an eggshell everyday.

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/12/2300.abstract

http://www.worldpoultry.net/Breeder...ing-hens-WP008719W/?intcmp=terug-naar-artikel
6 weeks is an eternity if you're talking about feeding excessive calcium to growing birds.

Quote:


cool, what part?

If you don't have enough cages, you can put them in moving boxes from Lowes or HD. They're under $1.50 each depending on size. Cut some holes in them. The darkness keeps them calm.

Wow, I didn't think about the protein difference. I was just thinking about Calcium. Ok, now I need a plan. Grower for all for six weeks and set aside egg shells for calcium. Thanks CC

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The larger the calcium particles the better. Egg shells work but oyster is better. The large particles get lodged in the upper digestive tract longer and make contact with the calcium absorption sites in the small intestine at night while the birds are on the roost and when the egg is passing through the shell gland.
While larger than the pulverized calcium in layer feed, crushed egg shells are still pretty small compared to oyster shell.

Here is a good read on the topic.

http://www.nutrecocanada.com/docs/s...-formation-and-eggshell-quality-in-layers.pdf