I often dream of moving to a place with a little more land (& less ordinances). Many of our friends have HAD to move because of financial reasons. They end up finding a job in IN or WI & buying my dream house for less $ than staying in the Chicago suburbs. DH likes it here, so I must keep reminding myself I'm happy. After all, he tolerates all my critters.Thanks, but its not for sure yet. All depends on home inspection tomorrow.
And I think I have 1 pullet and 3 cockerels from my mottled cochin bantams chicks. They are so hard to get a good look at since I gave them to my broody. They run from me every time I get close enough to look at their combs. But looks like I will have a pair of them to work with next spring. Next on the list will be some mottled cochin bantam frizzles pullets to add to the group. Then I still have my Silver Laced bantam cochin pair. Although, I am going to have to separate Mick (SL rooster) from his favorite girl, my LF chocolate orp. They are quite the couple!
I also wanted to ask if anyone else changes their feed during molt. I switched to Nutrena feed for meat birds for the higher protein count.(22%) Figure it will help with all the molting going on over here. I am also thinking I can feed it to my growers, since there is no added calcium. My feed store doesn't carry the new one by Nutrena for feathers, so this was the next best thing. I do have oyster shell to offer on the side. Thoughts? This is my first time trying this.
Anyway, Good luck on the inspection. I think it's fantastic you're able to follow your dream. Perhaps you'll be able to build even more coops! (.....too soon?)
I tried the "feather fixer" formula last year. It may have helped, but it's only a 40# bag & also a few dollars more, so expensive. I have more birds this year & although the yard is covered with feathers, not all are molting. I was nervous about going to meatbird formula because a few of mine can get diarrhea from high protein. I'm trying out "all flock" as a middle of the road approach.
My biggest problem is that I sometimes get minor feather picking. My birds are starting to look very good & I noticed two looked a little thin on feathers below the beak. It happened sometime during the day today. They were able free range but the hawks have been bad. The roos may have kept them inside too long. I fear Cuddles is the culprit. (Last time only she & the top hen didn't have missing feathers.) Is there anything I can do to try to prevent it? or Could I be missing something? Is there a mite that only affects beards & muffs? Does Cuddles have beard envy?
