We live in Maryland and have a flock of nine 11-month olds, 17 that are 4-1/2 month olds, and 8 that are 3-1/2 months old. This is our first summer with them so I’m being cautious of the heat waves even though we intentionally purchased heat tolerant breeds.
We have feed custom made without corn, soy or wheat. Instead they get crab & fish meal protein with alfalfa, sorghum and one other ingredient. I’ve begun putting their snacks in my Ninja to grind them and then put in a lg leftover containers, topping with water, and freezing. They can peck until it melts to cool off. Tonight’s mix is carrot and beet leaves & stems, egg shells, and shrimp shells with a few bits of broccoli and kale. It was enough for three large batches. I also have thrown in strawberry tops, blueberries, and dry cat food (latter recommended by the group for protein). We feed them oyster shells separately. An additional on the run treat is frozen chunks of watermelon & cantaloupe. Needless to say, they knock me down when I come in the run! Very little is wasted around here between humans, chickens, our dog and composted. So far, all seem to be surviving the heat.
When snacks are devoured, there’s nothing like wading in the chicken pool! Quite a life.
We have feed custom made without corn, soy or wheat. Instead they get crab & fish meal protein with alfalfa, sorghum and one other ingredient. I’ve begun putting their snacks in my Ninja to grind them and then put in a lg leftover containers, topping with water, and freezing. They can peck until it melts to cool off. Tonight’s mix is carrot and beet leaves & stems, egg shells, and shrimp shells with a few bits of broccoli and kale. It was enough for three large batches. I also have thrown in strawberry tops, blueberries, and dry cat food (latter recommended by the group for protein). We feed them oyster shells separately. An additional on the run treat is frozen chunks of watermelon & cantaloupe. Needless to say, they knock me down when I come in the run! Very little is wasted around here between humans, chickens, our dog and composted. So far, all seem to be surviving the heat.
When snacks are devoured, there’s nothing like wading in the chicken pool! Quite a life.
