I've fallen out of chicken love

[NotSoChickenLove]

Yes, even though they went home to lay that time, watch out that they don't find other places they like. I'm constantly finding stashes of eggs in my garden. If I really need eggs, I keep them confined until later in the day after they've "done their thing" in the coop and not in the bushes.

Yep, from now on, no egg, no ranging. If I need to go out early, I'll just bring piles of green forage to them instead.

 

[featherhead007]

No offense taken. I just wanted to point out the fact that for some, chickens are not pets. They are livestock. Enjoyable, fun to watch, but livestock non the less.

I truly am happy for you that you are in a position to help the needy and are living your dream come true.

bobbi-j my two bantom polish helped themselves to my sandwich from subway today.. that was supposed my dinner i needed a nap they obviously did not.. but they can fly quite well and went on top of the kitchen counter and had a feast

 

[bobbi-j]

bobbi-j my two bantom polish helped themselves to my sandwich from subway today.. that was supposed my dinner i needed a nap they obviously did not.. but they can fly quite well and went on top of the kitchen counter and had a feast

 

[chickengeorgeto]

They're not malnourished....

As for diet, I'm well aware of the dangers of filling them up with low nutrient food but I do give them dark leafy greens every day.... Their main diet is an 18% ruminant protein layer pellet. They also get a small amount of leftover cat food twice a week, and the hand fed treats are sunflower seeds with the shells on or dried mealworms.

They boss around the cat, so they can't be especially racist! He's 12 and not completely sure of these new beings. I was feeding them mealworms in my hand when the cat decided he wanted some but a chicken head was in the way. He bopped her on the head, she turned around, did the full wing spread and feather fluff, and chased him across the lawn! And then calmly returned for mealworms! Pecking order established

Malnutrition also means overweight. Watch for this pitfall. However "ruminant protein" should mean dry milk, dry buttermilk or other dairy by products as well as slaughterhouse tank-age. Both of these are wonderful sources of protein for chickens.

 

[ILuvMyFlock]

I could understand being sad and depressed due to chickens and other birds dying, I've been there and I felt like giving up because I hate death, but I can't understand the whole giving up thing over a chicken not lAying an egg. There's more to chickens than egg laying.

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

I could understand being sad and depressed due to chickens and other birds dying, I've been there and I felt like giving up because I hate death, but I can't understand the whole giving up thing over a chicken not lAying an egg. There's more to chickens than egg laying.

I don't love birds. These guys are all about eggs for me. Obviously, I try and take the best care of them..... so they'll lay more eggs. They're livestock with a purpose. And, besides which, I was being lied to and couldn't work out what was wrong!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I could understand being sad and depressed due to chickens and other birds dying, I've been there and I felt like giving up because I hate death, but I can't understand the whole giving up thing over a chicken not lAying an egg. There's more to chickens than egg laying.

Different strokes for different folks -- not everyone sees their flock as pets, many keep them for production purposes only.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Malnutrition also means overweight. Watch for this pitfall. However "ruminant protein" should mean dry milk, dry buttermilk or other dairy by products as well as slaughterhouse tank-age. Both of these are wonderful sources of protein for chickens.

This is such an important point -- poor body condition/improper nutrition exists at BOTH ends of the spectrum and both are problematic for overall health and productivity.

 

[User395221]

not everyone sees their flock as pets, many keep them for production purposes only.

Yes, and not everyone can afford the luxury of keeping animals just as pets. I wouldn't want to do any sums as to how much I've spent on my animals, but they make my life better and that's my choice. I can imagine not having the money to buy their food and pay for the other "stuff" they need. I think people from a farming background expect livestock to "pay its way". Just having them hang around "for fun" is for us city slickers.

 

[BennieAnTheJets]

"Do chickens prefer being in flocks with their own breeds? I thought they were happy enough interacting with any other chicken, but I obviously know diddly squat about chickens! Are chickens racist?! "

You are so funny! I don't know the answer to that - except that I know Guineas can be pals with chickens, turkeys, etc.

I agree with the other poster: you rescued them! Good for you and don't let it turn you off chickens - it is not their fault someone cheated you.

I find that there are good times and bad times with the birds - maybe you have enough bad behind you for a while now, so the good times are ready to roll!