INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

When you put it that way, I've got no good defense. I'm sure it is cheaper by the pound to feed virtually any cut of beef.
This Robin we feed won't eat dead worms or bugs. She's spoiled!
We use Petco.com and get 5000 large for $37.

Since you go through so many, have thought about raising your own? Quite a few people who raise chickens have meal worms and a lot of reptile owners do also.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote:
But...the other thing you have to consider is that there are different nutrients in the worms that may be more beneficial..... or at least beneficial enough to use them sometimes!!


ETA: When I said "birds" I meant my chickens.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

@Leahs Mom and other sunflower seed feeders. Yesterday I got a 40 bag of sunflower seeds from TSC on sale while I was picking up some more waterers for the additional chicks I thought I was getting today. I got good deal as I also had a coupon. I was thinking at the time that you fed them to your chickens. Do you just add them to the dry food, soak the seeds to sprout, toss some in the fermenting bucket, ... How should I use these to feed or treat my chickens?

Here is a link to the bag I got for $11 + tax.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...l-sunflower-wild-bird-food-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

When I feed my chickens sunflower seed I either mix it with their feed or throw it out for scratch

 

[Leahs Mom]

@Leahs Mom and other sunflower seed feeders. Yesterday I got a 40 bag of sunflower seeds from TSC on sale while I was picking up some more waterers for the additional chicks I thought I was getting today. I got good deal as I also had a coupon. I was thinking at the time that you fed them to your chickens. Do you just add them to the dry food, soak the seeds to sprout, toss some in the fermenting bucket, ... How should I use these to feed or treat my chickens?

Here is a link to the bag I got for $11 + tax.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...l-sunflower-wild-bird-food-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005

I have done all kinds of things.

I don't put them into the ferment bucket because they float! So if I feed them in the feed I just stir some into their bowl after I've dipped it out of the ferment bucket.

I did sprout them all last year but haven't in awhile. When I did I used the countertop/strainer method as you need to keep on top of rinsing them. They tend to mold more quickly if done in a bag. Never had a problem on the countertop.

But...this winter I've just been throwing them into the litter or on the ground outside to give them something to do.

If I understand correctly, sunflower seeds don't have the issues with anti-nutrients that other seeds do and the sprouting or soaking is not as crucial. And you can feed in a higher percentage than most people think you can so I don't worry about giving too many especially in winter.

Quote: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/smallflocks/Nutrition-Sunflower_seeds.html
When the seeds are ground, they can be included in broiler diets up to 50%.
I presume the "ground" seeds they refer to are shelled but the birds do a great job of shelling them and don't seem to be harmed by having them shell-on when they don't. I've watched them sit and crack the shells off to get the kernel inside but...if they're in competition and hurrying they just eat them shell and all.

And grinding them would cause the oils to go rancid

so I surly wouldn't get them ground or grind them!!

 

[SallyinIndiana]

so it might change the color of the yolk to a pale. Not a big deal this time of year as my fresh eggs don't look much different than store eggs anyway. They still taste much better but without the bugs and free ranging, the yolks are lighter.

 

[Leahs Mom]

so it might change the color of the yolk to a pale. Not a big deal this time of year as my fresh eggs don't look much different than store eggs anyway. They still taste much better but without the bugs and free ranging, the yolks are lighter.

That's exactly what I was thinking in the winter. It gives them something to do, they like it, adds a healthier source of "plant protein" than a legume, and the extra fat isn't a bad thing in the extreme cold. It tells me a lot, also, that wild birds devour sunflower seeds. No one has to convince them to get on a sunflower and eat them right up!

 

[bradselig]

I want to apologize to everyone that has sent me info to update on the members page. I have not forgotten to do it, my current computer keeps freezing up when I try to do anything on it. It is old and outdated. The good news is I will likely be getting a new one tomorrow! So if anyone needs anything changed on the members list or you would like to be added and haven't sent me your info let, please let me know!

 

[pginsber]

Since you go through so many, have thought about raising your own? Quite a few people who raise chickens have meal worms and a lot of reptile owners do also. 

Yes raising mealworms is a viable option. We did it for a year before we got the chickens.
I got tired of separating worm sizes, the dust and ammonia in the frass, and needed my garage space back. I decided to give up mealworming and just accept paying somebody to do it.
I'd prefer buying worms locally from an individual instead of the chain though...(hint, hint)

 

[pginsber]

The RIR we hatched via broody early October is kind of skittish. All the other girls are curious about everything and tolerate being petted. Annie, the 4 month old RIR, seems to honk instead of cheep.
Does anybody else have a pullet that honks? Does it seem odd?