Hello , Im so excited to be here. I love reading all the forums and advice everyone has about raising chickens. I have raised chickens for eggs on and off for about 5 years and before that as a kid growing up I helped my dad on our farm . Almost 3 years ago now We made a big move across country and have finally gotten settled so i can have my feathered friends back, I've missed them SO MUCH!! Along with layers we will be getting our first flock of meat birds and a few more ducks, right now we have two muscovy and two peking drakes that we rescued We live in southern Maine and things are pretty different here so getting all my supplies has been a bit more challenging than when we were in CO. I would like to know if anyone knows of any feed mills in the this area or if there are any suggestion on where to buy organic, soy & gmo Free feed? I have seen places listed online but I like to buy local if I can. We do have Agway which is blue seal feed, the organic is costly andt I haven't ever used it so comments would be great!! I have also heard different things about feeding scratch? My chickens will free range our yard, dig around in the compost and around our pond with the ducks, about 24 - 30 chickens on 3 1/2 acres. is it necessary to give them a " Scratch/oyster shell" if they are doing this? We are also getting our first Turkey's this year.. Im excited but nervous...Does anyone want to talk " Turkey" with a novice and give any advice on good breeds, and husbandry or is this site mainly about Chickens? I'm sure I'll have alot more questions, I hope I post them in the right areas, If I dont please feel free to tell me THanks and I look forward to your reply.
If your girls are getting layer feed they don't need the extra oyster shell(calcium). If they don't get layer feed then you should put out a separate container with oyster shell so they take it as they need it. Oh yes - many chickeners also have turkeys, guineas, etc. etc. If you check out "Other Backyard poultry" forum, you will find threads on turkeys, as well as ducks, geese, peacocks, and so on.
Welcome! I saw some listings for Maine in the following thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/organic-chicken-feeds
