OHio ~ Come on Buckeyes, let me know your out there!

[TERRY4]

I don't understand why anyone buys scratch. I give layer crumbles, fresh veggies, every now and then some wild bird seed, and they have large areas to run in the grass. buying scratch would just be another bill I don't need. and they don't need it.

 

[minihorse927]

I don't understand why anyone buys scratch. I give layer crumbles, fresh veggies, every now and then some wild bird seed, and they have large areas to run in the grass. buying scratch would just be another bill I don't need. and they don't need it.

the only thing around our house that gets scratch is all the grow out pens. I mix flockraiser in with oats or scratch to help with the feed cost. I offer straight scratch grains in a separate feeder other than the feeder with the flock raiser to the free ranging Birds but they don't eat very much of it. they tend to grab a little whem they go out in the morning and when they come back in at night but other than that they usually alone.

 

[blessedchick]

My horses USED to be crazy expensive when I showed the National circuit and bred. Now with 2 of my "retirees" for trail riding and 2 minis for fun (and lawn mowing!) they aren't bad at all. I'm blessed to have enough pasture to keep them out of hay and grain 8 months of the year, which helps tremendously.

I also breed black Silkies. I breed to the SOP and only black x black (F4+ now). Original stock from Catdance/Geri Godina/Bat Cave. I will have chicks available at the Delaware swap on Oct 5. Normally I sell eggs but I'm trying out my new roo so I need to do a test hatch before selling any. I have some GORGEOUS pullets in my black pen and I'm super excited about next year...same goes for my partridge pen. Aren't we all crazy??? Getting so excited over these teeny feathered bundles??? LOL!!

 

[blessedchick]

Anyone looking to rescue some battery hens in NE Ohio, there will be 200 leghorns available for adoption coming up next week! please PM me!!!!!!!

Very interested! Hard to turn down a rescue! PM being sent....

 

[minihorse927]

My horses USED to be crazy expensive when I showed the National circuit and bred. Now with 2 of my "retirees" for trail riding and 2 minis for fun (and lawn mowing!) they aren't bad at all. I'm blessed to have enough pasture to keep them out of hay and grain 8 months of the year, which helps tremendously.

I also breed black Silkies. I breed to the SOP and only black x black (F4+ now). Original stock from Catdance/Geri Godina/Bat Cave. I will have chicks available at the Delaware swap on Oct 5. Normally I sell eggs but I'm trying out my new roo so I need to do a test hatch before selling any. I have some GORGEOUS pullets in my black pen and I'm super excited about next year...same goes for my partridge pen. Aren't we all crazy??? Getting so excited over these teeny feathered bundles??? LOL!!

Hmmmm, got pictures of your breeders? This years juveniles?

 

[minihorse927]

Oh, any leakage in the boys?

 

[blessedchick]

Hmmmm, got pictures of your breeders? This years juveniles?

I can sure get some! Of course, when I go to take a pic they squat down and stick their heads in the grass and look like fluffy turtles, but I will sure try! Good day for pix!

 

[minihorse927]

I can sure get some! Of course, when I go to take a pic they squat down and stick their heads in the grass and look like fluffy turtles, but I will sure try! Good day for pix!

my parents live and i grew up in Delaware county so I'm not opposed to coming to that swap for the chicks.

 

[DelcoChix]

I don't understand why anyone buys scratch. I give layer crumbles, fresh veggies, every now and then some wild bird seed, and they have large areas to run in the grass. buying scratch would just be another bill I don't need. and they don't need it.

I do buy scratch, a 50lb bag of it and then a large bag of B.O.S.S., mix it together in a large storage tub...it lasts maybe 2-3 months if not a little longer. My birds all get layer crumbles and oyster shell plus a large variety of treats on a regular basis, sometimes fruit/veggies that are past their prime, sometimes I buy cabbage, sardines, day old bread, and even plain Greek yogurt, along with free ranging 4-5 afternoons a week. The scratch mix is a wonderful 'tool' for me--I start shaking the scoop when they're young, they quickly learn to come running. Now, there are times when I realize I shouldn't have let them out of their run because we have to leave the house for some reason (I don't leave them loose all day--too many hungry neighbors here--coyotes, foxes, hawks, and even hunting dogs from the nearby state park), but only when we're home...anyways, it's a great way to get them to come running, half-flying even, when they here the sound of their favorite treat shaking in the scoop. So, besides the fact that they love the stuff it does serve a useful purpose for me--bonus! They don't get it all the time, or even daily, but more often in the winter when there's not much to find in the yard, or their run is snow covered--I sprinkle it in the coop so they can scratch through the bedding and work for it a little.
So, you're right, they don't need it, and sounds like you are providing them with everything they do need, plus some extras just cause it's fun, and it does cost more....but maybe my explanation might give you a little insight on why some folks...ok, maybe one person, does give scratch to their girls and boys..

 

[DelcoChix]

Horses: You can ride them, lead them, drive them and do a tremendous variety of things with them (trail ride, race, jump, herd/cut cattle, swim, contest, and so on...)...hug them with strength...brush/groom them for relaxation....they love to see you and talk to you...they smell good (not their poop...just them!)...BUT they do require more feed, hay, poop removal, vet and farrier bills, need more room, experience and care...which is still cheaper than a therapist!

Chickens: They make your breakfast (well, a lot of them do...those that don't make breakfast serve as an alarm clock and watchdog for those that do make breakfast...do talk to you and come running to see you, ok, for treats, but still fun...offer hours of entertainment..don't need a fancy set-up...BUT you can't, or shouldn't, ride them (at least not more than one time, and you won't get too far)...hugs are not recommended, but they are possible, as long as they are given with a softness...no brushing needed and bathing is challenging...and don't forget the addictive quality that increases once you embark on the journey into the wonderful world of poultry!

So, rather than having to choose, I have both, but in limited numbers--get the best of both worlds, free breakfast followed by a trail ride...and then chores. It's a good life!