Consolidated Kansas

[Prairie Fleur]

Thanks Danz!!! I may have to get some of those. I need to do a little more research yet tho.
Ok maybe that's what's going on. I haven't noticed either of the hens molting yet but maybe she's stopped laying from all the heat we've had. Do they need more protein or more calcium during molt? Ive been feeding layer feed but am trying to give my younger birds some grower feed so they have enough protein for sure. Of course the hens always manage to get some as well.

 

[chicken danz]

They need more protein and a reasonable amount of calcium. Something like black oil sunflower seeds is an excellent source of protein. Plus it is like chicken crack. They love them. Of course if you are free ranging there's tons of bugs out there and they alone are an excellent source of protein for them.
As far as calcium goes we actually live on a gold mine for it in Kansas. Limestone is a form of calcium and it's the primary rock in the state. My free rangers have much better quality of egg shells than the ones I keep penned.

 

[Prairie Fleur]

Ok thanks!!!

 

[Prairie Fleur]

Anyone around here have any experience with Australian Spotted ducks or Black East Indies ducks?

 

[Trish44]

I had not heard of the Australian Spotted ducks, I just looked them up, they're pretty. But I didn't read if they're a flying duck or not. I prefer the breeds that don't fly.

 

[Prairie Fleur]

It sounds like they're similar to calls in that respect. They can fly but usually stay close to home. Here's a very informative article on them.
http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/waterfowl/australianspotted.html

 

[prairieblue]

Hello All!
Haven't posted in a while, but check in regularly. Well, It's time for the tale of woes... busted by the city! I was trying to be incognito with the coop and had the ok from my neighbors to have hens, but thanks to a complaint about a totally unrelated issue the local code enforcement man came calling and saw the roof of my run and coop from the street. Next, note on the door saying NO chickens without S.U.P. When I called him back, he said I was welcome to apply for the permit, but GOOD LUCK... city council very rarely grants them. So, to my post - is anyone interested in acquiring new hens? 1 year old, all laying great, and a mix of breeds. It breaks me up to have to rehome them, but I can't move and they can't live in the house (and yes, I thought about that for at least a minute). If there is anyone interested or know of a better place to look for a new home for them, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[CHIKENROOKIE]

Where are you located at prairieblue?

 

[prairieblue]

North O.P. I have had hens for several years, but recently moved the coop to a different spot in the yard to "upsize" it, and now it can be seen from the street. The neighbors (that pass by regularly, and live next to me) thought it was cool to see that I had pet hens. But, unfortunately the City doesn't.

 

[Prairie Fleur]

Hello All!
Haven't posted in a while, but check in regularly.  Well, It's time for the tale of woes... busted by the city! I was trying to be incognito with the coop and had the ok from my neighbors to have hens, but thanks to a complaint about a totally unrelated issue the local code enforcement man came calling and saw the roof of my run and coop from the street. Next, note on the door saying NO chickens without S.U.P. When I called him back, he said I was welcome to apply for the permit, but GOOD LUCK... city council very rarely grants them. So, to my post -  is anyone interested in acquiring new hens? 1 year old, all laying great, and a mix of breeds. It breaks me up to have to rehome them, but I can't move and they can't live in the house (and yes, I thought about that for at least a minute). If there is anyone interested or know of a better place to look for a new home for them, please let me know. Thanks!

Horribly sorry about your bad luck!! I'd be pretty frustrated in your shoes!
Where are you from for sure? Sorry I'm so clueless!! What breeds of hens do you have?