Hi all,
Looks like I should have posted this in a different area -- I would move it to the meat chicken thread if I knew how--sorry!
I am a newbie at raising chickens--this is my first go at it.
First, I have Freedom Rangers that are 4 weeks old today. I fondly refer to them as the Chicken Tenders, now. I moved them out to the "chicken-shed" last night. They seem fully-feathered (don't laugh) and did fine last night without a light. They were not huddled together early this AM when I ran out to check on them. Should I keep a light in there for warmth (and light?) at night? I am in the UP Michigan and temps were in the 40s last night. With feathers, they are okay without it, right? Or am I wrong?
Also, should I put perches in the coop for them?
Next, I obtained organic chick starter and grower, but the protein percentage is quite a bit lower than recommended for meat chickens. The starter I believe is 18% and the grower is just 16%. I am thinking I need to supplement to bring up the protein percentage. Anyone have any suggestions? Meal worms? Vegies/Fruits? I want to go organic all the way if at all possible. If I am going to raise my own meat, I want it organic, right, eh? As soon as I finish my mobile-coop, they will hopefully be "ranging" in the pasture during the day and back into the shed at night.
I also have Cornish crosses that are just a week old--"Chicken Nuggets"--(still in the brooder box of course) and want to get this right before it is time to move them out.
Thanks so much for any suggestions!
Looks like I should have posted this in a different area -- I would move it to the meat chicken thread if I knew how--sorry!
I am a newbie at raising chickens--this is my first go at it.
First, I have Freedom Rangers that are 4 weeks old today. I fondly refer to them as the Chicken Tenders, now. I moved them out to the "chicken-shed" last night. They seem fully-feathered (don't laugh) and did fine last night without a light. They were not huddled together early this AM when I ran out to check on them. Should I keep a light in there for warmth (and light?) at night? I am in the UP Michigan and temps were in the 40s last night. With feathers, they are okay without it, right? Or am I wrong?
Also, should I put perches in the coop for them?
Next, I obtained organic chick starter and grower, but the protein percentage is quite a bit lower than recommended for meat chickens. The starter I believe is 18% and the grower is just 16%. I am thinking I need to supplement to bring up the protein percentage. Anyone have any suggestions? Meal worms? Vegies/Fruits? I want to go organic all the way if at all possible. If I am going to raise my own meat, I want it organic, right, eh? As soon as I finish my mobile-coop, they will hopefully be "ranging" in the pasture during the day and back into the shed at night.
I also have Cornish crosses that are just a week old--"Chicken Nuggets"--(still in the brooder box of course) and want to get this right before it is time to move them out.
Thanks so much for any suggestions!
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