Chickens for 10-20 years or more? Pull up a rockin' chair and lay some wisdom on us!

[Maven]

I have plans to attend a few major shows this coming December where I have entered some birds but Obviously won't be exhibiting, but plan to see if I can snag some decent stock from which to start rebuilding. If I am unable to aquire anything decent then it is what it is.

Very logical, and very zen.

Hey - OT question: I've decided to do the calcium free-choice rather than have it high content in the feed, that way I can use, for the most part, the same feed for all my birds pretty much regardless of age or sex.

My pullets are 21 wks old tomorrow. Some of them have very well developed combs and wattles now that are a very pretty red. So, I figure, if there IS a chance of them starting to lay this late in the year, it will be rather soon. My question is: For those of you who prefer to give your oyster shell/calcium carbonate/egg shells/(insert calcium source of your choice here) free choice, when do you start making it available to new birds - about this age when they start to show maturity, or do you wait for them to start to lay before putting it out?

thanks!

 

[Fred's Hens]

You can put it now. If the bird's inner drive urges it to eat the calcium supplement, it will. If there is no interest, there's no harm. All feed has some calcium in it. 1.5 to 2.5 percent is pretty standard. The Layer often has total calcium upwards of 4.5%

 

[Maven]

You can put it now. If the bird's inner drive urges it to eat the calcium supplement, it will. If there is no interest, there's no harm. All feed has some calcium in it. 1.5 to 2.5 percent is pretty standard. The Layer often has total calcium upwards of 4.5%

Thanks, Fred!

Will do - and don't you recommend the CC over the shells? I thought it was you!! That is what I will probably go with. But it is what I am supposed to check magnesium content for, right?

yah, I know it all has some, and I imagine all birds need some calcium for strong healthy bones, just like we do. I just didn't want to use layer if i didn't have to!

 

[galanie]

Your too kind indeed.................... she is doing well now if I can get her to just quit Nagging LOL thanks for asking. The future of my chicken hobby is still under review and consideration.

Glad to hear she's doing fine! Any woman that can beat 3 dogs to death with a toothpick after open heart surgery is just too tough! Ok I exaggerate a bit there but by gosh she's something. I guess to put up with you she'd have to: Be tough. Have a great sense of humor.

My brother does stuff like what you said about the phone people. His wife just says "JOHN" and rolls her eyes. She's the perfect "straight man" cause she almost never cracks a smile at his wisecracks and things. It's too funny.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Thanks, Fred!

Will do - and don't you recommend the CC over the shells? I thought it was you!! That is what I will probably go with. But it is what I am supposed to check magnesium content for, right?

yah, I know it all has some, and I imagine all birds need some calcium for strong healthy bones, just like we do. I just didn't want to use layer if i didn't have to!

Yes. Finding purer CC is harder than finding lawn and garden lime with high Mag. The latter is a no no.

 

[Beekissed]

Yes...much props to Al's wife for heroics in the battle field. She deserves a medal!

Thought all you OTs would enjoy this clip... I want this kind of farm truck!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=502592593095381

 

[Maven]

Quote:

okey-dokey!! Thanks again, and I'll be sure to check carefully for the Mag level.

 

[Maven]

Yes...much props to Al's wife for heroics in the battle field. She deserves a medal!

Thought all you OTs would enjoy this clip... I want this kind of farm truck!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=502592593095381

That is pure awesomeness with awesome sauce and awesome sprinkles on top! Can't wait to show the Mr. !!!

 

[Beekissed]

That is pure awesomeness with awesome sauce and awesome sprinkles on top! Can't wait to show the Mr. !!!

Couldn't have said it better myself.....

 

[MagicChicken]

When I get those annoying telemarketer calls I have some fun with them, that's just me...................... if it's a girl I ask what their wearing in my best perv voice, they hang up fast.............. if it's a dude I ask the same question and they hang up even faster.

Sometimes I ask them for their personal phone number, they ask why and I promptly say I am also a business owner with some products I would like to tell them about. When they say no I ask them soooo you don't want somebody calling you trying to sell you stuff, they say yes that's right, then I say back to them....................... Ok so now you know how I feel right now, and hang up LOL. I am such a mess LOL.

I also love to have fun with the little old ladies from the LDS church who show up at my door step at 9:00 on Sunday morning, to attempt to rid me of my evil way's LOL. I always make sure my robe is open more than normal and pretend that everything is fine, then I spew some of Ole AL's version of why it's cool to have 4 wives. Yes there are times when I am certifiable.

Thanks, Al, that made my day! Now I have to clean the coffee off the computer monitor. Best laugh I've had in a while.

Hope you find some great chickens for reconfiguring your flock. Sure would hate to see you get out of breeding completely.

Sarah