Feeding your flock amidst of feed shortages

[carriek]

What should we switch to feeding the flock if shortages become even worst and there isn't any feed in your feed store? Mine are almost 3 month old but am thinking forward. Obviously, feeding what we have as leftovers. What did people feed their chickens back in the great depression?

They fed them whatever they could, and they weren't picky about it

 

[carriek]

With all the attack on livestock and the idea of livestock, I'm not so sure. I grew up in communism and these are dangerously similar times we are living in.

Yes its bad

 

[NatJ]

If I cannot get a commercial feed....maybe reducing the size of my flock (culling all unnecessary roosters, keeping only the best layers, and hatching only as many chicks as I need to replenish my flock or can sell each year) to keep everyone in good health.

If you do need to cull your flock because you cannot get feed, you should probably feed parts of the culled birds back to the rest of the flock. Of course you would eat any parts you want, but things you don't want to eat (like the guts) can provide a bit of protein for the remaining chickens.

Yes, feeding chickens to other chickens can spread disease--but only if the dead chicken had a disease the live chickens did not. When they are all from the same flock, they have all been exposed to the same things, so they probably already have all the same diseases and parasites.

 

[TooCheep]

I'd love to be growing fodder rotationally, as I can buy grains in bulk, but I have yet to get anything but a moldy mess.

I've seen multiple fodder articles/videos and they all mention using bleach to control mold.

 

[Regina Larsen]

I've seen multiple fodder articles/videos and they all mention using bleach to control mold.

Im contemplating repurposing my 75 gal fish tank and filter as a grain sprouting aquaponic sorta setup. Keeping guppies/goldfish in it will feed the grain and moving water = no mold or botulism

 

[TooCheep]

Im contemplating repurposing my 75 gal fish tank and filter as a grain sprouting hydroponic sorta setup. Keeping guppies in it will feed the grain and moving water = no mold or botulism

Hmmm... Not sure about that. Sprouting doesn't really need continuous or even frequent watering. After the initial soak, generally 2-3 times/day of a quick water.

Also, sprouting doesn't require any form of fertilization as the seeds provide the starting energy and water/air/light provides enough to get the plants to several inches tall at which point it is time to harvest.

 

[Regina Larsen]

Hmmm... Not sure about that. Sprouting doesn't really need continuous or even frequent watering. After the initial soak, generally 2-3 times/day of a quick water.

Im paranoid about botulism. One of my girls was hit with it when i mismanaged a recycled feeder.

 

[TooCheep]

Im paranoid about botulism. One of my girls was hit with it when i mismanaged a recycled feeder.

Botulism isn't a factor. Botulism only happens in oxygen-less environments like when canning.

 

[Regina Larsen]

Botulism isn't a factor. Botulism only happens in oxygen-less environments like when canning.

It is for me.

 

[Humble Shack Farm]

I've seen multiple fodder articles/videos and they all mention using bleach to control mold.

Is that safe? Using bleach on food? Maybe ACV or lemon juice instead?