For the MINIMALISTS - those who think less is more in chicken keeping - Please help

[3KillerBs]

We want a rooster but we're right on top of our neighbors so that probably wouldn't be fair. I actually wondered if there is a breed of rooster that is a little quieter. Any thoughts?

Individual roosters have different voices -- some are shrill and unpleasant, others are deep-toned and resonant.

Don't make assumptions about your neighbors. When I had my in-town flock the closest neighbor figured that if we didn't mind their muscle car then they didn't mind our rooster and the next closest neighbor had grown up on the farm, felt nostalgic about it, and brought his grandchildren over the see the chickens.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

My preference for feed for my girls is an all flock & oyster shell on the side. I have no roosters but I don’t like to feed layer feed in the winter when most have stopped laying & switching between 2 types is a pain so I just feed all flock all the time. I do get chick feed if I have babies, but I’ve given up on medicated as my chicks always get coccidiosis anyway, I have a tough variant in my soil.

So I need to switch my feed in the winter? Why is it contraindicated to give layer feed in the winter?

I also wanted to say I’m not a huge fan of collecting water & watering my birds with it. We had HPAI close by & collecting water is a good way to introduce that & other stuff. I had them on indoor lockdown for well over a month & collecting roof water would have negated that. Just something to consider, I know people do it & it works for them.

Is there a way to check to see if HPAI is big in my area? RoyalChick, if you're watching this thread, can you comment since in your in NJ, also?

 

[3KillerBs]

Individual roosters have different voices -- some are shrill and unpleasant, others are deep-toned and resonant.

Don't make assumptions about your neighbors. When I had my in-town flock the closest neighbor figured that if we didn't mind their muscle car then they didn't mind our rooster and the next closest neighbor had grown up on the farm, felt nostalgic about it, and brought his grandchildren over the see the chickens.

P.S. I felt a bit nostalgic about their muscle car because my Dad loved to work on cars and my sister's first car -- restored together with our dad -- was a GTO.

 

[3KillerBs]

So I need to switch my feed in the winter? Why is it contraindicated to give layer feed in the winter?

Because the hens don't need the extra calcium in the winter when they're molting and not laying.

*Many* first year pullets will lay through their first winter, then molt and take a break in their second winter.

 

[Sueby]

^ what @3KillerBs said about layer feed.

& heres the govt site on HPAI: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...vian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds

That site has a link on it to backyard flocks too.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Individual roosters have different voices -- some are shrill and unpleasant, others are deep-toned and resonant.

Don't make assumptions about your neighbors. When I had my in-town flock the closest neighbor figured that if we didn't mind their muscle car then they didn't mind our rooster and the next closest neighbor had grown up on the farm, felt nostalgic about it, and brought his grandchildren over the see the chickens.

This is hilarious because our neighbors have some things going on in their yard that others would probably not like but we don't say anything. They are respectful to us and we are to them. The coop is right next to their house but she grew up with chickens so it sounds like they don't mind. My other neighbor who is very close but can't see the coop hates chickens. She thinks they're dirty and smelly.

Someone has a rooster down the street and I can hear it in the morning if I'm outside. I love it. It is such a calming sound. How loud would it sound to a next door neighbor, though?

Do you have any suggestions of roosters that are a little nicer and have a pleasant-ish voice?

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Because the hens don't need the extra calcium in the winter when they're molting and not laying.

*Many* first year pullets will lay through their first winter, then molt and take a break in their second winter.

Thanks for the info. Would it be bad to give them the same laying feed all year round and maybe not put the shells out or do you suggest definitely switching?

 

[Sueby]

I love the sound of a rooster! I miss my neighbors boy. I don’t have any desire for a rooster though.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

So I feed everybody a low calcium feed and offer supplemental calcium on the side. I use oyster shell. The ones that need the extra calcium for the egg shells seem to know it while the ones that don't need that much calcium don't eat enough to harm themselves.

Another benefit to feeding this way is layer and all flock cost the same (here anyway). Eggshells are free and oyster shells are a lot cheaper per pound than feed. Calcium is heavy. 4% instead of 1% isn't much but it does add up over time.

Ah, great points. Who doesn't like to save a few bucks. I like the efficiency, too. Only using what is necessary.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

I love the sound of a rooster! I miss my neighbors boy. I don’t have any desire for a rooster though.

Anyone want to offer the pros and cons of having a rooster?