Questions about organic chicken

[Acre of Blessings]

I just use the DE to keep the flies down inside and outside the coop. It works well in that area for me, anyways.

 

[dancingbear]

When my dogs see the vet for check-ups or rabies shots, and they're checked for worms, they never find any. All I use to worm is DE.

I don't think it works by slicing up the parasites. I don't know what the mechanism is, (maybe it dehydrates them, or clogs up their pores or something) but my animals no longer have worms. Since the vet can't find any worms either, I don't think it's just that I only believe it works.

 

[Nliten2012]

I raise all my birds organically. They have never been medicated or vaccinated. They eat everything organic including quinoa and the occasional treat of kombucha and yogurt. They were raised from hatch on insects, dandelion, young poke weed leaves, etc...whatever is natively available for the season. I custom blend their food so their diet is full of variety. Probably sounds like too much work and money for some but I like knowing what my food is eating. If we wouldn't eat it then why would I force it upon such loyal creatures dependent on me.
HOWEVER
I would never be selling any of the meat or eggs to anyone on a commercial level, just friends and family. You couldn't pay me to ever do it any other way.

 

[Cason]

Where do you purchase DE?

 

[Acre of Blessings]

YOu can order it from www.shadowridgedonkeys.com but I ordered it from another place that was cheaper and I can't think of the name. When I remember it I'll post it here.

ETA: You need to buy the Food Grade if you order some.

 

[dancingbear]

I asked my feed dealer and she ordered it for me. Permaguard, food grade fossil shell flour. (same thing, under an alias) 50 lb bag for just under $30, so a lot cheaper than I could have it shipped for.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I wish I could find a feed store to order it for me. I have to order it for now.

 

[Kimsfarm]

I am new to raising chickens "organically". I wanted to sell my eggs organically, but am I to understand that if I started them off on chick starter that I cannot? I see all of the thread on raising chickens organically is quite dated, any new info on this subject.

I made the mistake of purchasing 3 mo. old chickens from someone and one of the hens has parasites and has a respiratory illness. I removed her and she is being treated, I guess I will just use her to sit on eggs, she is broody. I am seeing that she can't be put back with the other chickens, right?. I am also concerned because I put her with some of my existing flock which I hear is a no no. Before I decide how to proceed on treating that small flock, I hope you all have some new info on Organic.

I am from Colorado and we didn't have as many concerns about all of this because the climate is so dry.....In Alabama now so it's a whole different story!

I just have never raised chickens without starting them off on starter and treating them when they needed treatment. It doesn't seem like that could be good for them. I could see not giving them antibiotics on a regular basis for preventative that wouldn't be good, but when they are sick?

My question is confusing because I'm confused.

I don't know, this is all really confusing....I guess if there is new info on the subject it might help.....Please!!

 

[dragonflydreamsfarm]

Quote:
You can feed starter you just can't feed medicated starter. And ALL feed must be certified organic not just non-medicated.

The first day is "free" but after that it ALL has to be organic. So the 3 month old thing is going to be a problem. I think the waiting period to class a non-organic animal back to organic is 2 years (3 for land but 2 for animals?). That two years it has to be treated as organic (so only cert food), but it can't be claimed yet. So just forget about those hens because you will likely be replacing them about the time you can call the eggs organic.

 

[Kimsfarm]

I just saw your reply....do you know how to get this site to let you know when you get a response to your question or a response to reply s?

By the way thank you for the reply, very helpful!!