Naked Neck/Turken Thread

[DesertChic]

I'm curious why you make the changes to their feed?

I always soak the feed in the warmer months and actually ferment it slightly in the cooler months because not only does it increase hydration, but also increases the nutritional content of the food. Apple Cider Vinegar (aka ACV) encourages the proliferation of healthy 'gut' bacteria and serves as a prebiotic environment in the digestive tract. Then giving them probiotics in their feed (or even an occasional yogurt treat) introduces the favorable gut bacteria. You never want to use both ACV and probiotics at the same time because the acid can actually kill off the preferred bacteria, but introducing the ACV at least one full day before probiotics primes the gut.

Supplements like garlic, oregano oil, and various herbs and greens all have medicinal properties and can help fight off parasites and infections or just boost nutrition to strengthen the immune system.

These nutritional boosts function much like multi-vitamin and other supplements work for humans; they bolster the immune system to make it easier for the animals to fight off viruses, bad bacteria and parasites. For example, all chickens are exposed to coccidiosis, but only those that are unhealthy or have compromised immune systems will typically succumb to it. Heat stress, molting, being picked on or heavily mated, etc. can all lead to a stress reaction that may weaken the immune system and allow the 'bad stuff' to take hold. Supplements help to re-balance their bodies. It's not foolproof, but it helps.

 

[DesertChic]

I'm curious why you make the changes to their feed?

I'm sorry.... I got confused and replied per something I'd posted on another thread.

Why change the protein level of the feed? When young, the chicks require far more protein to grow bone, body mass and feathers, but as they mature their growth rate slows and they begin to fill out more. Too much protein past a certain age can lead to gout in chickens, especially roosters. Plus, layer feed contains more calcium and different supplements required for laying hens, where as growth feed has more of the protein they need and a different balance of nutrients.

I also change feed to accommodate breeding season, molting season, and temperature changes.

 

[igorsMistress]

I always soak the feed in the warmer months and actually ferment it slightly in the cooler months because not only does it increase hydration, but also increases the nutritional content of the food. Apple Cider Vinegar (aka ACV) encourages the proliferation of healthy 'gut' bacteria and serves as a prebiotic environment in the digestive tract. Then giving them probiotics in their feed (or even an occasional yogurt treat) introduces the favorable gut bacteria. You never want to use both ACV and probiotics at the same time because the acid can actually kill off the preferred bacteria, but introducing the ACV at least one full day before probiotics primes the gut.

Supplements like garlic, oregano oil, and various herbs and greens all have medicinal properties and can help fight off parasites and infections or just boost nutrition to strengthen the immune system.

These nutritional boosts function much like multi-vitamin and other supplements work for humans; they bolster the immune system to make it easier for the animals to fight off viruses, bad bacteria and parasites. For example, all chickens are exposed to coccidiosis, but only those that are unhealthy or have compromised immune systems will typically succumb to it. Heat stress, molting, being picked on or heavily mated, etc. can all lead to a stress reaction that may weaken the immune system and allow the 'bad stuff' to take hold. Supplements help to re-balance their bodies. It's not foolproof, but it helps.

Thank you! I am 100% on board when it comes to natural immune boosts. I would rather give my girls some herbs they love than medication they hate.

You mentioned changes to feed seasonally, do you follow a similar schedule for the herbs?

Also, do you give acv at the same you ferment feed? I remember reading this wasn't a good idea but I can't remember why and haven't gotten around to researching it yet.

One last thing...never mind, you answered. Thanks for your time! I really appreciate this information.

 

[DesertChic]

Thank you! I am 100% on board when it comes to natural immune boosts. I would rather give my girls some herbs they love than medication they hate.

You mentioned changes to feed seasonally, do you follow a similar schedule for the herbs?

Also, do you give acv at the same you ferment feed? I remember reading this wasn't a good idea but I can't remember why and haven't gotten around to researching it yet.

One last thing...never mind, you answered. Thanks for your time! I really appreciate this information.

I give herbs and greens all year round. They always appreciate them.

I only occasionally use the ACV in the feed, preferring to occasionally add it to their water. Most of the time I use it in the feed in the warmer months and especially when our heat is over 100* on a regular basis. Adding ACV to the water when it's that hot can make the chickens less likely to drink the water and I don't want them to dehydrate, but a little ACV in the feed during the hot periods, given on occasion, seems to be well received.

Right now we're battling extreme heat here. Today's temp reached 109* at my house, and it's supposed to be hotter tomorrow, so I'm mainly relying on extra vitamins and electrolytes and lots of cool water.

 

[CannedMonster]

Wow... Angus looks like he has chocolate in him! Very cool! How heavy would you say these birds are?

I’m not sure but we had to send one cockerel to freezer camp at 14 weeks and he dressed out at 3lbs.

Angus is a beautiful red/brown with blue gray down.
He has slate blue legs too.
I’m very glad he hasn’t shown aggression because I think he’s beautiful and would love to see NN chicks by him.
I just wish he had a bow tie instead of a bib.
I don’t think I’d get any NN from him out of fully feathered hens.

 

[Cynthia12]

I give herbs and greens all year round. They always appreciate them.

I only occasionally use the ACV in the feed, preferring to occasionally add it to their water. Most of the time I use it in the feed in the warmer months and especially when our heat is over 100* on a regular basis. Adding ACV to the water when it's that hot can make the chickens less likely to drink the water and I don't want them to dehydrate, but a little ACV in the feed during the hot periods, given on occasion, seems to be well received.

Right now we're battling extreme heat here. Today's temp reached 109* at my house, and it's supposed to be hotter tomorrow, so I'm mainly relying on extra vitamins and electrolytes and lots of cool water.

Wow, 109? I remember going to Arizona once. I don't handle heat well, a health issue. Haven't been back. I can imagine that chickens, and other livestock need special attention during the heat waves. You are doing great. Lucky chickens to have you taking care of them. I have a real pretty daughter of one of the girls I got from you. I swear she looks like she has blue lace wyandotte in her. Very pretty girl. Should start laying next month.

 

[BlueBaby]

Wow, 109? I remember going to Arizona once. I don't handle heat well, a health issue. Haven't been back. I can imagine that chickens, and other livestock need special attention during the heat waves. You are doing great. Lucky chickens to have you taking care of them. I have a real pretty daughter of one of the girls I got from you. I swear she looks like she has blue lace wyandotte in her. Very pretty girl. Should start laying next month.

The heat here too much for you? You must have been here in the summer. Our winters are nice down here. That's why so many of the Canadians and other snowbirds winter over here.

Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter than it was today. I've been checking on my flock every couple of hours to make sure that all is well. These NN's are pulling through like troopers, and I have some of the eggs in the incubator now, too.

 

[Cynthia12]

Lucky, I have some eggs in too, but no NN. And no, I wouldn't be able to go outside much if I were there again in the summer. I've heard that winters are nice in the south. You're chickens are lucky too!

 

[cactusrota]

I’m not sure but we had to send one cockerel to freezer camp at 14 weeks and he dressed out at 3lbs.

Angus is a beautiful red/brown with blue gray down.
He has slate blue legs too.
I’m very glad he hasn’t shown aggression because I think he’s beautiful and would love to see NN chicks by him.
I just wish he had a bow tie instead of a bib.
I don’t think I’d get any NN from him out of fully feathered hens.

I think the chances of getting some Nn's from that cross would be like 50/50. But you'd want to do alot of eggs for a better turn out.
3 lbs dressed at 14 weeks doesn't sound bad at all!

 

[BlueBaby]

I candled my eggs again tonight. I had to toss only one of the 16 eggs for a bloodring when I candled the other day. There are more veins in all of the 15 remaining eggs, and I am seeing shape movement. Wish me luck in a hatch of some chicks that would have less of those big bowties on them!