Newbie, looking to learn.

[Desertprep]

I have 2.5 acres in Elko County and am starting to develop it so that I can move onto it when I retire. There is a lot of info on the web about raising chickens. Over time, I hope that you can help me sort through the trash to find the treasure. One thing I am especially interested in is how to raise as much food for the little chickies as possible. I am very dissolusioned with the whole distribution system (not the truckers fault!) and I would like to give my birds a more stable food source.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Welcome to BYC @Desertprep

Great that you could join us all here! Good luck with deve your 2.5 acres! Be sure to ask any question, everyone here to help. Enjoy BYC

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

So glad you decided to join us. Good luck with all your poultry projects, if you need any help with anything, I am sure someone here in the forums can help.

Welcome to our community!

 

[Mallards and Quail]

Welcome to BYC! I Hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[Nomadicus]

Welcome to BYC. Glad that you have joined the BYC family.

 

[DotToDot]

Welcome to the Backyard Chickens family! This is a great resource to ask questions on.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. I am assuming Elko County Nevada, correct? I do make my own chicken feed, but not starter feed. I do this because I want to know exactly what is in their feed. I am this way with my dog food, and what we eat also.

However, to do this correctly, one must put forth a lot of time and effort to ensure your chickens are getting what they need. Commercial feed took the work out of this for you. Chickens are more sensitive to incorrect nutrition balancing than most animals, and in my opinion even more sensitive than people. So if you are going to do this, you have to do it right. Your feed has to have protein, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. And...the correct percentages. And you will need a grinder. My current feed is: 55% corn and wheat, 20% peas, 10% oats, 10% fish meal, 3% kelp, and 2% nuti-balancer. I started oyster shell on the side when they started laying and of course I have grit on the side with probiotics.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!