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

[Zanna]

Just ordered a 50LB bag of fishmeal from my feedstore as I can not find any local chicken feeds with animal proteins in it. The bag says lighthouse brand "fish fertilizer" for use in organic farming and is 60% protein. Safe to feed or is there a specific type/brand for feeding only? How much should I supplement with or add to my pelleted feed (all purpose poultry, 19% protein but only plant proteins)? I would mix it with the pellets in a bucket which holds about 25 LB of the pelleted feed. Thank-you OT's. Love this thread!!!!!! If it is no good for the chickens I will spread it around my garden!

 

[Ridgerunner]

As walt mentioned it's called dubbing and in all gamebird show stock it is required by the SOP or it's a DQ if their not dubbed. Iam not sure of why they do it but they do and the birds are none the worst for wear from it.  

It originated when the game birds were used for cock fighting. A fighting cock without a comb and wattles has an advantage over one with a comb and wattles. Dubbing is required by the SOP for certain roosters. I don't know why it is done now, other than tradition and the SOP requirement. I've heard various excuses (to me there is a difference in an excuse and a reason), but they only do it for game birds. If those excuses were valid, we'd do it for all breeds.

There are several things in animal husbandry that seem cruel to people not used to it and that don't understand the reason for it. I'm not questioning all those. I understand the reason for many of those and as far as I am concerned, most are not cruel at all. They just seem that way to people that aren't familiar with the process. As far as I know the only reason to dub a game rooster is that it is required by the SOP.

 

[al6517]

I know, I also have a sturdy husband to help with the difficult stuff. He helped me cut my poor Zoe's toe off when it had been injured. I also have done a lot or research so I do know many common problems and solutions to them. One of the reasons I got the chickens was to get tougher, I know if something bad happen I would have a hard time doing what was needed and chickens seamed like a good first step to getting that strength. Plus I get good eggs out of it.

Well that does sound like a good way to get yourself aquainted with the not so fun stuff it takes to a good livestock guardian, but you got to jump in with both feet at some point. All that research won't help you much if you decide it doesn't work for you once you start to deal with a few issues. The internet is a double edged sword when it comes to reliable good to use info, some good, most not worth a plug nickel. Doing is the best way to learn, and doing often will help a bunch. OT's will come in handy for that part and won't steer you wrong, but we are a bit salty around the edges for the easily offended OMG crowd, they think we are Neanderthals cause our birds don't have cute little names except for little chicken & Big chicken LOL.

 

[al6517]

Your right on all counts RR, I know a gamebird breeder who dubbs his roosters with his thumbnail, quick and easy as you please, Guess he's done that a few times LOL. Your so right about certain things makin the city & woman folk squeemish about difficult choring task concerning methods and humane treatment, most of those folks would rather do the Vet thing I suspect. I prefer the satifaction of knowing I can handle many a difficult task here at the ranch, makes a person feel good to know he doesn't need to rely on others or the internet to get stuff done. The wife is pretty handy in a pinch as well.

 

[Minchi]

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That is the plan, I just had a hard time with the toe thing because they were only a week old. I was not planning on jumping in so quickly. I may have a hard time but around them I try not to show it and I am firm when I need to be so far.

 

[hereorthere]

Just ordered a 50LB bag of fishmeal from my feedstore as I can not find any local chicken feeds with animal proteins in it. The bag says lighthouse brand "fish fertilizer" for use in organic farming and is 60% protein. Safe to feed or is there a specific type/brand for feeding only? How much should I supplement with or add to my pelleted feed (all purpose poultry, 19% protein but only plant proteins)? I would mix it with the pellets in a bucket which holds about 25 LB of the pelleted feed. Thank-you OT's. Love this thread!!!!!! If it is no good for the chickens I will spread it around my garden!

I would advise mixing the fish emulsion with some water before putting it into your garden (if you will eventually use it that way.) Gets to the roots a lot faster and our gardens looks like it's on steroids - literally! Plus the smell is very overwhelming.... thus the dilution helps. I've never thought to supplement it for my chicken feed... what was your expense for 50lbs?

 

[therapydoglady]

Happy 4th, y'all! Hope everything is going well for you and you all have a blessed and safe holiday!

Say a prayer for west Texas...we have a burn ban because of the lack of rain, and fireworks have been banned. Nevertheless, they were going of until the wee hours of the morning and I am sure will continue for the next several days. Our "law enforcement" seems powerless to do anything about them.

 

[Minchi]

We have a burn ban for the state of Colorado, almost every city is not doing fireworks but I bet tonight will be a long one for law reinforcement. So I will say one for you if you say one for us.

 

[Zanna]

I would advise mixing the fish emulsion with some water before putting it into your garden (if you will eventually use it that way.) Gets to the roots a lot faster and our gardens looks like it's on steroids - literally! Plus the smell is very overwhelming.... thus the dilution helps. I've never thought to supplement it for my chicken feed... what was your expense for 50lbs?

It was $58 for the 50 LB bag but with 60% protein a little should go a long way......... Any OT's, is this safe to feed when labled as fertilizer for organic farming or is there a special "feed" version?? How much would you mix with 25LB all purpose pelleted chicken feed that is 19% protein but has plant proteins only??

 

[Leahs Mom]

It was $58 for the 50 LB bag but with 60% protein a little should go a long way......... Any OT's, is this safe to feed when labled as fertilizer for organic farming or is there a special "feed" version?? How much would you mix with 25LB all purpose pelleted chicken feed that is 19% protein but has plant proteins only??

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