Organic chicken keeping

[centrarchid]

I am new to actually keeping chickens (did FFA in high school but didn't get enough land unit I turned 30). From the start they are keep organically, I am a disabled Veteran so if my broken butt puts in the trouble to grow/raise something it's going to be the most natural and I believe healthiest. I feed them organic feed, DE in beeding and food,ACV in their water, and herbs and essential oils to treat/prevent issues. I want healthy natural food, not fake better for me food that the only thing different is that I grew it and applied XY and Z chemicals to it myself. I think people are just to scared to step out of the box that big corporations have told them is the only way to get results. Knowledge is power and if my ancestors could do it naturally without these products than why can't I.

Takes more land and greater on farm diversification to compensate for backing away from complete diets that have become the standard. Also many predator populations have enjoyed a rebound making a relaxed approach to free--range management not sustainable.

 

[patty922]

I am new to actually keeping chickens (did FFA in high school but didn't get enough land unit I turned 30). From the start they are keep organically, I am a disabled Veteran so if my broken butt puts in the trouble to grow/raise something it's going to be the most natural and I believe healthiest. I feed them organic feed, DE in beeding and food,ACV in their water, and herbs and essential oils to treat/prevent issues. I want healthy natural food, not fake better for me food that the only thing different is that I grew it and applied XY and Z chemicals to it myself. I think people are just to scared to step out of the box that big corporations have told them is the only way to get results. Knowledge is power and if my ancestors could do it naturally without these products than why can't I.

Ok so basically I felt like I could have wrote your post in regard to the raising of the chickens. I have only 2 that are almost 4 months I think I too have feed them only organic grower and veggies and fruit. What is the DE? How and why use it?

 

[All Ball]

I am working with the OrganicChickens group, a US national group, which just experienced the Yahoo Groups collapse and is looking for alternatives. For those members: This is an example of how we could each create an account on this site and use this thread to continue sharing information. And we could share pics:

 

[centrarchid]

I have been learning how to get buy without medication of any sort. Moving pens around is key. Make so birds not in areas where parasites build up as much.

 

[All Ball]

Centrarchid, are these all birds that you free-range, or some that remain in pens? I don't use medication (I would if I saw a major problem). My birds seem to do OK with dust bathing in sand/ash and backyard free-ranging. I am less sure about internal parasites but have not seen evidence in droppings.

 

[centrarchid]

Centrarchid, are these all birds that you free-range, or some that remain in pens? I don't use medication (I would if I saw a major problem). My birds seem to do OK with dust bathing in sand/ash and backyard free-ranging. I am less sure about internal parasites but have not seen evidence in droppings.

I have a combination of free-range and penned. Only the free-range are in my opinion what is to be called organic. Most of free-range birds retreat to pens I close up at dark and open in early morning. A few are totally free-range where they roost on pens or in trees. The intermediate approach I like better. Handily my biggest problem with those staying out all night is the Great-horned Owl. Messing with one of those as I type.

Dust bathing is all I use to control external parasites.

My American Dominiques and Missouri Dominiques can be reared without medication for cocci. For some reason a percentage of the American Dominique males have trouble with worm burdens so I have been culling those. I do not know why females would be more resistant. Generally, I do not even check for worm sign in feces. Birds having issues are culled regardless of cause.

 

[All Ball]

Thanks, Centrarchid - you are more experienced than most of us, so this may be subtle, but what signs do you see that indicate worm burden issues?

 

[centrarchid]

Thanks, Centrarchid - you are more experienced than most of us, so this may be subtle, but what signs do you see that indicate worm burden issues?

1. Hens dropping out of lay. 1. Underweight both males and females. 3. Blueish comb and wattles following even minimal exertion. No direct assessment of worm burdens done beyond gross examination of feces. Culling occurs based on first three criteria.