Ribh's D'Coopage

[rjohns39]

Morning Jeannie, those pics are just amazing.

Ok, let's talk about Oats and Barley... None of this matters as long as you keep total content under 10% of total diet. They are a wonderful feed ingredient with tons of good stuff brought to the table... But they also contain Beta Gloucins (probably spelled wrong). When fed in excess they act as a nutrient blocker. Otherwise healthy birds who eat too much will lose weight, wither and starve to death. As long as you stay under the 10% rule, you should never have to worry about it.

 

[Ribh]

Morning Jeannie, those pics are just amazing.

Ok, let's talk about Oats and Barley... None of this matters as long as you keep total content under 10% of total diet. They are a wonderful feed ingredient with tons of good stuff brought to the table... But they also contain Beta Gloucins (probably spelled wrong). When fed in excess they act as a nutrient blocker. Otherwise healthy birds who eat too much will lose weight, wither and starve to death. As long as you stay under the 10% rule, you should never have to worry about it.

Thanks Bob! I was a little concerned 'cause I know [much as the girls love it] it's not all that great for them & my treat count is probably quite high just now with extra table scraps, greens & I still have duck food I'm eking out & the fishy stuff for Namaste . I'll probably just put out some crumbles when the rain eases off for a moment.

 

[rjohns39]

The whole 10% rule came about because nutritionists couldn't control what we do as a matter of practice. So the idea was create feeds with a 10% tolerance for what ever we might do.

 

[Ribh]

The whole 10% rule came about because nutritionists couldn't control what we do as a matter of practice. So the idea was create feeds with a 10% tolerance for what ever we might do.

Not sure about the States but, when I was a kid [a long time ago now] backyard chooks lived on the table scraps. We've come a long way nutritionally since then but rather than waste food I still throw it in the pen. That way even the peelings get used up but it certainly means I have to watch the 10% rule.

 

[MaryJanet]

The trouble I've had is finding a proper layer pellet the chickens enjoy eating. I'm feeding Bayer's golden yolk at the moment and Laucke's 17 in the morning (about a cup each). The golden yolk is a pellet, so that's good but they adore the 17 which is a pick n mix and I'm sure they're only eating the yummy bits. They fill up on golden yolk before bed, and Mary's pretty good at eating pellets all day long. So is Janet, but she's not at it as often as Mary and Sandy doesn't even bother.

Edit: not Bayer, Barastoc

 

[MaryJanet]

By the way, those blue photos are gorgeous Ribh!

 

[Ribh]

The trouble I've had is finding a proper layer pellet the chickens enjoy eating. I'm feeding Bayer's golden yolk at the moment and Laucke's 17 in the morning (about a cup each). The golden yolk is a pellet, so that's good but they adore the 17 which is a pick n mix and I'm sure they're only eating the yummy bits. They fill up on golden yolk before bed, and Mary's pretty good at eating pellets all day long. So is Janet, but she's not at it as often as Mary and Sandy doesn't even bother.

Edit: not Bayer, Barastoc

I use 17s layer crumble. It's what my seller uses & recommends [they can't just pick out the goodies as easily] & it kept consistency with all the travel & change. I've found it pretty good but cracked corn, veggies, mealworms ~ anything different & you'd think I kept them on bread & water rations!

 

[Ribh]

By the way, those blue photos are gorgeous Ribh!

BTW, how are you finding Middlemarch?

 

[WhoDatChick]

That is one gorgeous cat!

Thank you ... he’s a fatty
Sad news... I am officially allergic to my cats .. I was testing things out just to be sure and today I was holding... and kissing Pippin.. and I got it bad ... my eyes start to itch.. REALLY BAD!! And from the kissing my lips itch ... one eye turns blood red and gets these weird bubbles of water on my eyeball ... I guess that could be the result of trying to scratch my eyes out

I guess I’ll just look at them from a distance ..... yea right!

 

[WhoDatChick]

It's not pretty out there.​

View attachment 1835867
The only real light was the one blinking on the other side of the bay. Can't even seen the channel markers flashing this morning. I have no idea how 1 Favorelle [the other was in a nesting box going about the morning's business; no wonder she has time to get into mischief later!], 1 BR & 2 Campines negotiated the steps in the dark but they were certainly up & about when I went to check after last night's wind & rain.
I'm considering another oats morning... I don't want them getting the idea this is a regular thing but something to cheer them up on such a dull dreary morning is sure to be welcomed. OK, they're chooks. Any food is welcome!
View attachment 1835869

It is very pretty out there!!