Raising Organic Chickens

[redbuffalo]

I have twelve araucana eggs that I am hopefully hatching on the 18th. I want to raise these chicks organically as possible. Any advice on chick feed and vitamins or on raising organic chickens in general?

Thanks!
Tracy

 

[sturdyprairiegal]

I'd go to the local mill to ask very specifically what they put in their feed, to be sure there's not medication added (after chick feed) and then free range them as much as possible. [Of course, some feed producers sell "organic feed" but I can't understand how anyone can afford it unless they only have a few chickens ... I'm not entirely certain of organic requirements to sell them as "officially" organic--probably depends on your locale?

Of course, free ranging has its sad days ... I lost two chicks today to a varmint. It happens...