North Carolina

[KristanB]

Go on the inside of your pen cut the handle of the jug near the bottom of the handle where it meets the jug (handle is still on the jug, top part is not cut) then bend over and slide a part of the wire through the bottom of the handle where you cut it. This makes it so the handle hangs onto the wire and the birds can not knock it over or move it around the pen. The birds drink through the hole you put in the front of the jug (opposite of the handle). The whole jug is in the pen, but with a hose you can add water to them from the outside of the pen (this is why you remove the lids). I use an old soup can to add warm water in the winter after I remove the ice (I get the warm water in a 5 gallon bucket from the bath tub). If the jug needs rinsed out you just spin the jug upside down using the handle from the outside of the pen.

I am visualy lost too

 

[Banriona]

I'm singing with you!  I hate, hate, hate the cold.  On the other hand, I love sweaters!

Where are people getting grain for fodder?  I'd actually like to do sprouts, but finding good, untreated grain is a problem.  Ideally, I'd like barley.  If anyone knows where I can get that, please let me know!  Since I've got around 100 birds, I don't want to use BOSS.  If I can't find barley, I'll get oats, but I'd really prefer the barley!

We are closing in on the end of the semester.  It's been a really good one, but I'm worn out and can't wait for the end!

From what I've read oats is especially prone to mold. Not impossible, but more difficult than barley or wheat.

As for aquiring untreated grain... Best I can say is ask around to your neighbors and local farmers. I did find a store in Pittsboro that sells organic grain, but haven't called to see what they have in stock. We found our wheat by asking the guy that runs our local feed atore. They don't sell any themselves, but they knew of a guy (who actually works at the fire department) that had some wheat seed he wasn't able to sell from his crop. We ended up getting 40# for $5.

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

After pointing out to myself that my neighbors are useless in this type of stuff, and the feedstores just tell me they don't carry it...I googled "barley seed producers in NC" and found three. None are close, but could be a day trip now and then, if they'll sell retail and not just wholesale.

Why didn't I just think to google before?

 

[chicknnugget]

I agree with Coop. While it's a great idea to give them chicks, they need time to recover their own food, water and electricity before they can take on chicks. Plus I think it would be more beneficial for them to be given laying hens than pullets at any rate. Why make them feed them for no immediate return when they are already so tight on resources? I suppose if he's willing to hang on to the trios until they reach POL that would also give time for whatever diseases may be present to show themselves. I have no eggs to contribute anyway so I suppose my opinion is rather moot.

Anyway...... It is freakishly cold! I did give in and put a heat lamp in my coop last night, but only because I'm down to just the three birds in an 8x8 coop right now. I only intend to use it on rare occasions such as last night. Probably didn't even need it then but it helped me sleep even if it didn't help them. I will be adding more litter in there and may just move the three into a smaller area. I have a kids playhouse that's 6x8. Not much smaller, I know - but better than nothing. Assuming all the chicks in my bathtub survive until next winter I'm sure they'll be fine then without any problems.

As for fodder.... here's my setup:



I got the bins from Lowe's for $1.30ea. They are 9x13. I drilled holes in the bottom of all but the bottom one. Stacked them with a baking rack in between each one. Just put the water on the top one and let it drain through all the trays. Once it stops draining I just empty the bottom bin into the sink. Since I only have 11 birds, most of which are still chicks under two weeks old this should be more than enough fodder for a week or more for them. Right now I'm starting BOSS so I soak it a full 24hrs before letting it sprout. I also set a bin weighted with some water in it on top of the seeds for the first day after soaking to simulate being under the dirt. Here's the result so far:


This is the BOSS after 48hrs.

Thanks for the info. Like the pics. How long do you let the sprout befor giving to the birds?

 

[Banriona]

Thanks for the info. Like the pics. How long do you let the sprout befor giving to the birds?

This is my first time doing it, but I reckon I'll give it to them when the greens are 3-4" tall. Can give it to them at any stage though.

 

[Banriona]

I

After pointing out to myself that my neighbors are useless in this type of stuff, and the feedstores just tell me they don't carry it...I googled "barley seed producers in NC"  and found three.  None are close, but could be a day trip now and then, if they'll sell retail and not just wholesale.

Why didn't I just think to google before?

If I did the math right a 50# bag would last 6 months to a year depending on how many are in your flock and how big a part of their diet you make it. Can check with your county ag extension office too, they might have some local suppliers for you.

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

OK...winter is over, bring on Spring



Thinking positive thoughts...


Keep saying it with me!

I'm saying it with you

I do find it amusing though that a man who works at an arena
with an ice floor is asking for spring and warmer days

 

[Banriona]

After pointing out to myself that my neighbors are useless in this type of stuff, and the feedstores just tell me they don't carry it...I googled "barley seed producers in NC" and found three. None are close, but could be a day trip now and then, if they'll sell retail and not just wholesale.

Why didn't I just think to google before?

What are the three you found?

 

[Fireantz iceman]

you can call Jake Martin at 910 *484 3901 corn...barley...sorghum ...millet mix or individual plus he has peanut mix feed too...excellent source of protein and my birds LOVE it!

East Fayetteville location

 

[Fireantz iceman]

[COLOR=008000]I'm saying it with you   [/COLOR]



[COLOR=008000]I do find it amusing though that a man who works[/COLOR] [COLOR=008000]at an arena[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]with an ice floor is asking for spring and warmer days [/COLOR]

I will be on the ice Friday and Saturday night ! Come see the ICEMAN in action slinging shirts and making fans happy!!!

Fireantz Hockey....