***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[bardies]

SharkmanDan, As far as I have experienced. This is a good place to exchange ideas. Folks are pretty able to share their ideas and thoughts here regardless of what they are - although we are all somewhat single minded in our enthusiasm for chickens. People might get reactions of

or

. But no one is ever flamed on here, well .... no one HERE is ever flamed on here. So, safe and open minded place to share

 

[brandy00]

One of my free range production reds went missing today in the middle of the afternoon I don't think she's setting on eggs anywhere. We looked all over our property and didn't see her or any feathers. I didn't hear any ruckus from any of the chickens or the dog today. She's actually the first bird I've lost free ranging. I know it's just part of it. But, it still stinks.

 

[clintgil]

One of my free range production reds went missing today in the middle of the afternoon

I don't think she's setting on eggs anywhere. We looked all over our property and didn't see her or any feathers. I didn't hear any ruckus from any of the chickens or the dog today. She's actually the first bird I've lost free ranging. I know it's just part of it. But, it still stinks.

we lost 20 birds last year. most of them within a few weeks. I want to free range, but cant afford it. by the time I figure in feed, bedding etc, a dozen eggs cost me about $84. I love to watch a chicken peck the ground, and the only hen we have left from when we tried to free range (I call her Marcus Luttrell) you cant scare her out of the run. she knows where safety is.

 

[ashtree]

Here is a huge thread on the topic.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644300/fermenting-feed-for-meat-birds


But in a nutshell, grains all grains have protective enzymes and anti nutrients designed to protect the seed and keep it able to germinate.  These make digestion and nutrient retrieval by monogastric animals difficult.  To bypass that natural seed protection you can ferment the grains.  This makes the nutrition in the grain more bioavailable to monogastric animals.  So your chicken gets more "bang for the buck" and more feed value to what you are already buying, besides which they love the stuff.


There are many, many formulas and additives and what nots you can read about on the thread, lots of people complicating and adding to the process, but grain (or feed that is grain based) + water + time = fermented feed.  The feed is best when fully fermented and about 1+ weeks old and older.  You just add more grain and water as you use it.  Making sure your batch is big enough to feed out for several weeks before having to add new.  No metal containers.

Thank you for the link! It's like nourishing traditions for chickens! I'm sold!

 

[SharkmanDan]

That was exactly what I had in mind, when I posted. I certainly wasn't saying that it was the best solution, simply a solution, that is acceptable, on it's face, to me. While some might find it repugnant, it is simply an idea. Take it, for what it's worth, to you, with your sensibilities.
Well said, Bardies!

 

[TipihlowLadies]

we lost 20 birds last year. most of them within a few weeks. I want to free range, but cant afford it. by the time I figure in feed, bedding etc, a dozen eggs cost me about $84. I love to watch a chicken peck the ground, and the only hen we have left from when we tried to free range (I call her Marcus Luttrell) you cant scare her out of the run. she knows where safety is.

I know that story last year I had 16 ee's and 26 buff orps free range I now have 8 of the ee's and 3 buffs then a stray Sheppard mix showed up we took her in and now she took on the job of protecting the place and every thing else if anyone comes to the door and were not home they will still be here when we get home.
we haven't lost a bird since she grew up and took on her new job you can't get her in the house when chickens are out.

 

[Kyzmette]

 

[Kyzmette]

But no one is ever flamed on here, well .... no one HERE is ever flamed on here. So, safe and open minded place to share

I'd like to flame whomever it was that busted the quote function.

And this guy in another thread who's getting all better-than-thou.

Trolls make me wanna

 

[SharkmanDan]

If I may ask another question, without hijacking the thread....
What is "broody" behavior? I presume it means protective, but, does it mean territorial? Or, just naturally "motherly"?
Sorry, again, I'm new, and am learning, from y'all, as well as a couple experienced local, small, chicken farmers.

 

[Kassaundra]

If I may ask another question, without hijacking the thread....
What is "broody" behavior? I presume it means protective, but, does it mean territorial? Or, just naturally "motherly"?
Sorry, again, I'm new, and am learning, from y'all, as well as a couple experienced local, small, chicken farmers.

There really isn't much "hijacking" to this thread, we all talk about a host of stuff, mostly chicken related but not always.


Broody's will sit on a nest, pluck belly feathers, when you approach will hiss, growl, and flatten like a pancake, if you keep approaching or reach for her egg stash she will peck the gejesus out of your offending hand.