HELP..New..what to feed ?

[OurHappyLittleFamily]

Awww they are so cute!

And nope, not dumb questions. Good questions. And I'm glad you asked them because I'm new too and those are questions I would have asked. We're super new (just had ours for a week) and are clueless (waiting for my chicken book to come in). The guy at the feed store didn't even mention grits.

 

[skylinepoultry]

My birds seem to like boiled eggs, carrots,lettuce,garlic all ground in a food processor shell and all. Served with water and a hint of vinegar for a treat.

 

[mljohnson05]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

 

[skylinepoultry]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

Besides being ph balanced, it aids in digestion. Its good for you too.

 

[mljohnson05]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

Besides being ph balanced, it aids in digestion. Its good for you too.

How much vinegar do u put in the water (what is the ratio)?

 

[debber]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

I have heard the thing about vinegar in the water too..... But i heard that was for birds that were going to be shown cuz it makes their feathers extra fluffy. I havent read anything about vinegar being bad for them....

Anyone know if there are health benefits other than fluffy feathers?

Im gonna try the boiled eggs thing (shell and all! i love that!)

 

[cowchipss]

Love your pictures! I'm picking up raising chickens after an 8 year break... sounds like everyone has fill you in on feeding. I have read that there are some common things (you may have in your kitchen) that are NOT recommended that include: Parsley, Potato Skins, Avocado peels and seed. I'm sure people have fed them before unknowingly without terrible results but I plan to avoid them...

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

Here this should help with Apple Cider Vinegar and what is for and how to use it. -

You can use any Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with mother.
Bragg
Spectrum Organic
Omega Nutrition
Dynamic Health
There are other brands out there also just remember you will want Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar mother.

Here is some information on Apple Cider Vinegar.
Apple Cider vinegar is rich in the vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in apples, especially potassium. It will normalize pH levels in the stomach, improve digestion and the assimilation of nutrients.
A few more benefits of Oral Apple Cider Vinegar are:
*Reduces intestinal and fecal odors.
*Aids in digestion.
*Helps to break down minerals and fats.
*Assists the animal to assimilate proteins.
*Assists the animal to convert food better.
*It lowers the pH of the digestive tract which will make an environment less welcoming to pathogens therefore will reduce common infections and increases resistance to disease.
*Improves stamina and fertility.
*It is a great overall tonic that will improve the general well being of the animal.
If started while Birds are young (1-1/2 to 2weeks), birds
*Will feather out quicker.
*Are hardier.
*Grow to their potential sooner when used with an adequate feed.
I find the meat is also leaner due to the fats being converted quicker.

Cautions:
Do not use metal water dishes (except stainless steal).
Some commercial wormer it will have one funky chemical reaction with ACV.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Unopened, it will keep indefinitely; once opened it will keep about 6 months.

Add 1/8-1/4 of a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to every 4 fl ozs of water, or 1/8-1/4 cup per gallon of water.


Chris

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Vinegar in the water????? Really? did not know they could drink that...what does the vinegar do?

Besides being ph balanced, it aids in digestion. Its good for you too.

ACV Apple Cider Vinegar doesn't, "balance" pH. ACV lowers the pH of the digestive tract.

Chris

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Good info Chris. Other points.
It keeps the waterers from getting slimy so soon.
It aids in the absorption of calcium yet studies show that acidifiers also protect the kidneys from too much calcium in the diet.
All good reason to use it.
I use 1 tsp per gallon.