Keeping them healthy

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

Good morning! I have a small flock of fabulous chickens and want to keep them healthy and happy.

I feed them Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve; treats, less than 10% daily, of black soldier fly larvae, sunflower seeds, a handful of oats, and a little more corn when it gets cold. Fresh water, too.

I want them to have their best life. Is there any kind of daily/weekly supplement that should be added for continued health?

They do receive “peepcicles” when it’s hot, and warmed mush when it’s cold. I have heated waterers, and add ice to their water in the summer. Yes, they may be a little spoiled, but… they didn’t ask to live here, except one who just showed up, and they are special to me.

I was raised in a farm, have had chickens for years, and am now having fun with colorful egg layers. I am starting to raise pure Aracaunas and they are so beautiful!

Thank you for any advice.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

My chickens have always appreciated range time. I think it’s good for them to work for their “treats” sometimes. You mention lots of food—what is their setup like? Enrichment, proper ventilation and space is all important too for quality of life. I don’t personally give any kind of supplement unless it’s for a targeted reason (when it was unseasonably cold this winter I gave them a splash of fire cider in their water for a week or so, for example).

 

[saysfaa]

You might consider replacing the oats, corn, and sunflower seeds of the treats portion with fresh food. Things like vegetables, sprouts, and fruit have nutrients that don't show up in the standard lists of nutrients. Some of the best known are antioxidants (there are lots of kinds of antioxidants) but there are a also a plethora of other things that work directly or indirectly.

Less fresh foods, including dried vegetables and seeds, have some depending on how they were stored and dried. Certain weeds have more than most foods from the grocery store or garden so they are good options in season if you know they haven't been sprayed or growing in contaminated soil.

Oats, corn and sunflower seeds have theses kinds of micronutrients too but they are in the feed in large enough quantities that a bit more doesn't add any value. Well, except the value of the social aspects of getting treats.