Naked Neck/Turken Thread

[Pensmaster]

I have raised dubia and meal worms for the chickens.  I read the article in the header and it is partially true.  They are easy to feed and raise, they are very easy to keep contained, they are not viable outside of your controlled provided environment for most areas in the U.S.  Basically anyplace winter is colder then 50 degrees for any sustained time.  Mealworms are a little more putzy have more problems that can get out of control like mites that are preditors to them, the food /  bedding attracts moths which are very difficult to keep out.  As far as raising enough to supply even partial protein source for a flock of chickens, it takes A LOT like housing the size of a freezer and in those quantities THEY DO STINK!!!!!!!!

I was thinking the amount of females would have to be quite a lot due to only 35 babies what is it a month. Maybe if I only had a couple hens that might work as a treat. Thanks.

 

[DesertChic]

it's been pretty warm... 115F.. everybody allright, except for the last freedom ranger hen.

Have a chick feeding question- the chick starter all vegetarian.. how often should I add animal protein for them? I've been breaking eggs, sprinking some black oil sunflower and a dash of chicken/rice cat food over the chick starter mash and stirring it- they sure love it.. but how often should/can they get it?

Depending upon breed, I feed 18% - 26% protein daily until they reach their first drop-off in growth around 10 weeks of age, and then drop back to 16%-18% daily protein. Fish meal comprises the majority of the protein for my flock.

I lost my favorite Biel hen to heat stroke yesterday when it reached 112. Today it's up to 115 and I'm struggling to keep my birds alive. Suddenly I'm longing for December....

 

[Pensmaster]

Depending upon breed, I feed 18% - 26% protein daily until they reach their first drop-off in growth around 10 weeks of age, and then drop back to 16%-18% daily protein. Fish meal comprises the majority of the protein for my flock.

I lost my favorite Biel hen to heat stroke yesterday when it reached 112. Today it's up to 115 and I'm struggling to keep my birds alive. Suddenly I'm longing for December....

Come on cooler weather yea I know the heat just started. with chickens. Bummer on Biel. Are the NN doing ok?

 

[DesertChic]

Come on cooler weather yea I know the heat just started.

with chickens. Bummer on Biel. Are the NN doing ok?

Even the NNs are struggling a bit, but nothing like the Biels. I've noticed that the NNs are simply smarter about how to stay cool. I spray down a huge swath of ground in the shade for all of my birds and after about 15 minutes they've all dug themselves into holes so deep you can only see the tops of their heads sticking out. A few of my other breeds have caught on and have taken up the practice now too, but the NNs were the ones to figure it all out.

 

[Pensmaster]

Even the NNs are struggling a bit, but nothing like the Biels. I've noticed that the NNs are simply smarter about how to stay cool. I spray down a huge swath of ground in the shade for all of my birds and after about 15 minutes they've all dug themselves into holes so deep you can only see the tops of their heads sticking out. A few of my other breeds have caught on and have taken up the practice now too, but the NNs were the ones to figure it all out. 

Too hot!!! Mine will sun bathe for a bit then back to shade. Going back out to see how mine are doing.

Now that I'm trying the FF I've noticed a black soldier fly hanging around. Also because it's hot out and that's what they like.

 

[Pensmaster]

@Fire Ant Farm

We are having pizza tonight.

Before

After

 

[draye]

These are from my last hatch. One week and 4 days old. All these chicks are from my Cinnamon NN rooster over 8 various hens. I'm trying to figure out the mamas. I've identified one so far, it is the blue one, I only have 1 hen that is blue colored and can produce the blue color.


6-12-2016 EDITED:
I've decided I had the color code wrong on these. I had a code written down but list it the day after I made it, so I've been watching and trying to figure out what color went with what run.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

@Fire Ant Farm

We are having pizza tonight.

Before




After

Yummmmmmmm.....

Maybe I'll have pizza tonight, too! I haven't eaten yet (just came in after locking everyone up - spent about 8 hours today trying to clean up and refresh the sloppy wet bedding in all the coops - six bales of compressed pine shavings later. Gave the little 10 week olds cocci meds, saw some suspicious poops - wouldn't be a surprise...)

- Ant Farm

 

[Pensmaster]

Yummmmmmmm.....

Maybe I'll have pizza tonight, too! I haven't eaten yet (just came in after locking everyone up - spent about 8 hours today trying to clean up and refresh the sloppy wet bedding in all the coops - six bales of compressed pine shavings later. Gave the little 10 week olds cocci meds, saw some suspicious poops - wouldn't be a surprise...)

- Ant Farm 

You guys and your rain. Humidity levels must be off the charts.

Every thing here is too dry already. Hot north winds are dangerous.

Crust to pizza is made from riced cauliflower spices and Parmesan cheese. Good all by itself. Mine had chicken tomatoes and mozzarella on top of that. Oh and home made ranch dressing.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

Quote:
Crazy thing is that we often go MONTHS without rain and are under fire bans. I don't even own a camping stove because they don't let you use them ever - I bring no cook stuff when I camp. It's been SO bizarre!!!!! Humidity is obscene. No rain today for the first day in weeks - spent all day trying to get dry bedding in the coops and cleaning up for the chickens. The rest of the yard is a wreck... Garden is a loss.

I NEED that recipe - I riced a whole bunch of cauliflower last year and froze it (when in season), so I have a bunch in the freezer.

Please?

- Ant Farm

Edit to add: I'm repeating myself. I'm tired - sorry.