My Son's Science Project

[ntjpm]

Ok please tell me that I am not making a huge mistake letting my 15 yr old DS use the chickens for his Science Project. I am now worrying about saying yes to this project.

We have 8 chickens and have had them now for 8 weeks. His project is the following, he is testing and documenting how different feed effect the chickens eggs, quantity, quality and taste.
We have had them on Organic feed called "Scratch and Peck" it is non GMO, non Corn and Non soy, since we got them. We have been keeping track of the egg count each day and taking pics of eggs documenting and such, Now the only other "Organic" feed we can find is Purina so we bought a bag of it. And we are going to start feeding that to them for a "bag" and see how it changes or doesn't change things. He then will present his finding to his class.

I don't want to really screw the chickens up, they are happy and healthy right now and are laying between 6-8 eggs a day, I just need to know that this feed switch is not going to ruin them.

Thanks for listening to me whine.

Tracy in WA

 

[kari_dawn]

I think you will be okay. The feeds are formulated specifically to keep your girls healthy....

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Switching feeds will affect your egg production, not necessarily because one is better then the other. When something changes in their lives, it can stress them out enough to reduce egg production. Even just something as simple as a different feed. As long as it is chicken feed though, it shouldn't affect their overall health.

 

[justbugged]

I think it great that he can use the chickens in his science project. I don't know how the chicken could be harmed by his project. We homeschooled our kids all the way through Highschool and two years of Community College. The chickens were some of the best times that we had during the years. My son is one of the most responsible people I know. He has been working for Pierce County since he was 18. He is more responsible than many of the guys that are much older than he is.

I would simply praise your son for the project.

You are also welcome to join us in the Washington State thread here on BYC.

 

[ntjpm]

Thanks for the answers ladies, I am glad we have the chickens and he can do this project I am actually the one who suggested it to him, I am just getting cold feet now that it is time to switch feeds. LOL good to know we are not going to scar them for life.

WAIT there is a WA state thread there where is that at if you don't mind me asking??

Tracy in WA

 

[Illia]

Go to the Where am I? Where are You? section

 

[justbugged]

Quote:
What I have learned about chickens is that they will eat just about anything. I often refer to them as two legged garbage disposals. So a change of feed won't phase the chickens at all.

Here is the link to the WA thread. It can be hard to keep up with all the posts, but it is some of the best people I have ever known. So feel free to jump in and say what you want to us. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=7766259#p7766259

 

[BorderKelpie]

I have found that my birds (parrots, chickens, and doves), that feed switches don't harm them at all and I sometimes feel that it may be a good thing as it varies the protein sources and other ingredients. To me it just offers a more varied diet. I switch my dog's food around, too, again, for the variety to try and make everything as balanced as possible. There is no way that one brand of food, no matter how wonderful the manufacterer claims it to be, can be totally and completely balanced.

I do not see how this science project could hurt them in any way as long as you are using good quality feeds.

Kudos to you and your son for taking a compassionate and thoughtful route with your (I mean, his) science project. And Best Wishes for a very successful outcome! (that means you HAVE to tell us the results lol)

eta: I miss doing science projects.....

 

[Ole rooster]

Then when all your chickens fall over dead from changing the feed there goes the science project.

Really, I don't think it's a very good choice of school projects. It will take longer to find what you're looking for than your son has in school. These type experiments take years and years to complete. But of course he could carry it over into college.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
I agree, although with large numbers of birds you can have answers in less than a year.

Using subjective assessments as the response criteria in an experiment can lead to erroneous conclusions at times.

Rather than looking at something broad, I suggest you look at one item. For example you could use this hypothesis: Feeding Organic Feed to Laying Hens Results in Heavier Eggs.

Good luck.

Jim