Holistic Thread

[SandyRiverChick]

Interestingly enough and whether intentional or non-intentional, I think you're going to find that most people follow "holistic" practices when it comes to chickens. It's other animals like dogs and humans where it's more debate worthy, harder to find, not the norm, not as common. What I mean by that is I would never take a sick chicken to a vet, therefore I don't wind up with chicken meds. And if I'm lucky enough (which I am,) to not have big issues with my chickens then over the counter meds for chicken's isn't at all part of my routine or concern. And since I buy Organic feed and I put ACV in water from time to time as well as ferment, then I guess I meet the criterion for Holistic. But I wasn't trying too.... I really do think ALOT of people meet this criteria but I'm not saying that you didn't start an interesting thread. If you want to get some adrenaline going however, put it out there on the subject of dogs

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I'm a fan of holistic (including homeopathic and herbal treatment) healthcare approaches for people and animals. I think there are few threads on the topic because we're in the minority.

I ferment - again, for myself and my animals - and I've seen benefits from doing so. I also eschew using synthetic wormers in favor of natural anthelmintics, and I happen to have some effective ones on my own property.

While I try to be tolerant of other people's opinions, this is one area where I will vigorously defend against blanket, unsupported dismissals: these methods work, and my healthy flock is the proof. I also don't have to worry about withdrawal periods for eggs because I only use natural dewormers.

Thanks for broaching the subject. I hope your thread encourages some lively - and useful - discussion!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I'm a fan of holistic (including homeopathic and herbal treatment) healthcare approaches for people and animals. I think there are few threads on the topic because we're in the minority.

I ferment - again, for myself and my animals - and I've seen benefits from doing so. I also eschew using synthetic wormers in favor of natural anthelmintics, and I happen to have some effective ones on my own property.

While I try to be tolerant of other people's opinions, this is one area where I will vigorously defend against blanket, unsupported dismissals: these methods work, and my healthy flock is the proof. I also don't have to worry about withdrawal periods for eggs because I only use natural dewormers.

Thanks for broaching the subject. I hope your thread encourages some lively - and useful - discussion!

I dont ferment or use ACV and my flock is also healthy. I think this is where the debate usually comes in. Do you use natural wormers as needed or as a preventative?

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I am following I am definitely all for holistic and herbal chicken care I only use meds if nothing else has worked

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

A sharp knife is probably the best holistic management practice. An ability to cull hens and roosters to keep the overall health of the flock is very important. Knowing exactly how many chickens you need and generally it is not a lot of birds and keeping to that number through culling is a very good practice.

Keeping your flock young, while keeping a multi generational flock also keeps your birds healthier. Older birds tend to have more issues, and decreased production. One or two successful broody hens is nice, but more is not necessary.

Not wasting feed, is crucial in saving costs. And recognizing that different times of the year, different ages of birds, different weather, climate and temperatures all effect the use of feed and health of the flock.

Good ventilation is probably the next large mistake. In an attempt to keep birds warm in cold weather, beginners tend to lock up the coop, after all, we have been told since childhood to shut the door! But good ventilation to remove moisture and fumes while not in a draft is going to give much healthier birds.

Space is also VERY CRITICAL. Too many times, chicks are kept in too small of space to keep them safe in warm, when they should be exposed to colder temperatures and space to exercise and get better feathers and strength while growing.

What often starts out as enough space for chicks, rapidly becomes not enough space for adult birds. Feather picking, bullying are both strong signs of over crowding and the easiest solution is a sharp knife.

I do believe, a good commercial feed needs to be the backbone of the feed, but outside grazing gives more flavorful eggs. I also firmly believe in clean water. Trust me, no animal in the wild or in 'natural' lifestyle is drinking water with ACV in it.

Probably not what you wanted, but these things have more impact on the overall health of a flock than the things you mentioned.

Mrs K

This is not holistic this is regular good choices for keeping chickens. I personally don't agree with culling but am not here to criticize people for there opinions. Acv is great for chickens and although no animals in the wild are drinking it it is still a natural way to keep them healthy. Giving them something they would not get in the wild does not make them not holistic or unnatural its just a non synthetic product that keeps them healthy. This is just my opinion though so no offense

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I dont ferment or use ACV and my flock is also healthy. I think this is where the debate usually comes in. Do you use natural wormers as needed or as a preventative?

Sure - there are clearly many options for keeping a healthy flock. What I take issue with is opinion to effect of "x [holistic approach] is junk". I'm fine with fact-based debate, but that's not it.

Both - I accept that my flock will carry a parasite load because they have access to areas where wild animals live. My goal is to raise strong, naturally healthy birds so that the worms don't cause issues.

 

[Mrs. K]

@ Raingarden

I suspect, but cannot prove, that flocks develop a cultural heritage over time. One generation teaches the next generation how to best survive.

I agree, I like a multi-generational flock, with the oldest birds about 3-4 depending on their thrift. I don't want a flock of 3-4 year old birds. Or really, I don't like very old birds...their arthritic gait and crabbiness I do not care for.

Years ago, a poster on here, made very good sense to me. She was horrified at how much money people put into chickens. She did not. Her coop was not darling, her run was secure, and she fed them casually. She did not fret about 10% treats. She gave clean water, and she NEVER treated a chicken for anything.

Now, without a doubt, she did have space. Chickens kept in a very small space, tend to have more parasite loads. And small flocks can be easily overwhelmed by treats and scraps.

But the overall idea, that I keep chickens for my families use, not as a part of my family works for me. I had to quit looking at the disease and emergency page, because I could not believe what people would do to keep a bird alive. To me a quick death is a coup de grace, and often times I think people get chickens so they can pretend to be doctors, and prolong suffering. But to each his own way of doing things, no offense intended, they are your birds.

Mrs K

 

[raingarden]

@ Raingarden

I agree, I like a multi-generational flock, with the oldest birds about 3-4 depending on their thrift. I don't want a flock of 3-4 year old birds. Or really, I don't like very old birds...their arthritic gait and crabbiness I do not care for.

Years ago, a poster on here, made very good sense to me. She was horrified at how much money people put into chickens. She did not. Her coop was not darling, her run was secure, and she fed them casually. She did not fret about 10% treats. She gave clean water, and she NEVER treated a chicken for anything.

Now, without a doubt, she did have space. Chickens kept in a very small space, tend to have more parasite loads. And small flocks can be easily overwhelmed by treats and scraps.

But the overall idea, that I keep chickens for my families use, not as a part of my family works for me. I had to quit looking at the disease and emergency page, because I could not believe what people would do to keep a bird alive. To me a quick death is a coup de grace, and often times I think people get chickens so they can pretend to be doctors, and prolong suffering. But to each his own way of doing things, no offense intended, they are your birds.

Mrs K

I gotta say @Mrs. K, we think a lot alike. I finally broke down and bought a bottle of corid for the chicks a few years ago. Other than that, if they die they die. When they're sickly or lame the dog will take them out. We don't eat sick chickens but the dog isn't so picky. Taking a chicken to the vet has never been considered.

 

[Weeg]

Thanks for the tag!
With all my animals, dogs, cats, horses, and myself, I’m very and fairly strictly holistic. I use homeopathy whenever I can and in every way possible.

I use pumpkin seeds as a dewormer. In most cases where it’s caught early by a proactive owner it works like a charm. There is quite a debate on this since it doesn’t work as quickly as a chemical dewormer, but as expected it will take time, and some persistence.

I also have calendula oil as a staple in my first aid kit. I use it for everything. Oil for flushes, and the salve for everything else. Infection, bumble foot, wounds, injuries, itchy/chapped/irritated skin, bug bites, burns, etc, etc. For myself and my animals. It works amazing!

I feed dried herb mixes for different purposes. Currently feeding a blend with echinacea for immune boosting. Sometimes turmeric for anti inflammatory, and echinacea or oregano oils/tincture for antibiotics.
I use holistic treatments whenever possible.

I’ve also been feeding my dogs a raw diet for 2+years now, and I can actually thank BYC for that. I’ve seen so many benefits.
Great thread! I think this is a neat topic, interested in following to see what others suggest.

 

[Tookie]

Thanks for the tag!
With all my animals, dogs, cats, horses, and myself, I’m very and fairly strictly holistic. I use homeopathy whenever I can and in every way possible.

I use pumpkin seeds as a dewormer. In most cases where it’s caught early by a proactive owner it works like a charm. There is quite a debate on this since it doesn’t work as quickly as a chemical dewormer, but as expected it will take time, and some persistence.

I also have calendula oil as a staple in my first aid kit. I use it for everything. Oil for flushes, and the salve for everything else. Infection, bumble foot, wounds, injuries, itchy/chapped/irritated skin, bug bites, burns, etc, etc. For myself and my animals. It works amazing!

I feed dried herb mixes for different purposes. Currently feeding a blend with echinacea for immune boosting. Sometimes turmeric for anti inflammatory, and echinacea or oregano oils/tincture for antibiotics.
I use holistic treatments whenever possible.

I’ve also been feeding my dogs a raw diet for 2+years now, and I can actually thank BYC for that. I’ve seen so many benefits.
Great thread! I think this is a neat topic, interested in following to see what others suggest.

I use homeopathy too!