self sufficiency?

[flora]

In my grandparents day they fed their hens cracked corn every morning. Then the hens had free run to pick up the oats the draft horses dribbled, grain the dairy cows spilled, and any pig food they could steal. Plus they had free choice from the compost pile. Grandma locked the hens up at night for protection and so she could get the eggs in the morning before turning them out.

 

[moenmitz]

We have 38 large breed chickens (33 layers, 5 roos, last count) They free range all day. They have access to 12 acres, but choose to graze & forage on only an acre or two. We fill a thirty pound feeder with a mix of corn, soybean meal, wheat, oats, grit, diatomaceous earth, & a mineral "base" mix, about once a week since the grass came up. They have access to it all day, but they much prefer the bugs and grass. During the winter, they empty the same feeder every 2-4 days, depending on the temperature outside. We get approximately 24 eggs every day, even in winter, with exceptions during extreme weather. During the winter we did provide them with a few extra hours of light-timer switched it on from 4 am to 8 am, when it got light out, dark was here by 5-6 pm.

So, yes, to keep them healthy and laying well, you do need to provide a balanced feed mix, even in summer, but, you WONT spend a significant amount of time or money feeding them.

Beware, however, that you will be very likely sucked into spending hours watching "chicken TV" during nightly chores and will be shocked at the amount of time that escapes you. Chickens are very distracting....

 

[charlie_D]

That's great! My biggest concern was the feeding schedule I'd have to use with my shift work; that's why I had been hoping they would be able to 'forage for themselves' originally. From the sounds of it that won't be an issue, so now I guess the only thing left... is to get everything set and post some pictures

I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions as things get started.

Charlie

 

[Andora]

Quote:
They are soooo cute and pet-like, but be careful because those are the breeds that always get eaten first when they're free ranging!

 

[cybercat]

Charlie,

I am presumming you are either in Canda or close to the border. How much of the property is wooded?

1. On that much land you can range a big flock or flocks. Most flocks are around 12 to 15 which would included at least 2 roos. That is a must for free ranging as one roo will be ahead and one behind the flock. This is how flocks do it in the wild also. I see turkeys around here all the time with that set up and that is how mine is done with little problems. My place is wooded plus cleared land ofcourse we are much warmer than you but they range same amount of land.

2. You will have to let them out in the morning and lock up at night. Water should be changed in the morning. Eggs can be collected any time as some hens will lay throughout the day.

3. Breed you want large over 6 lbs full grown and not white. Partridge is good or Speckled even Gold laced colors. You will want pea or rose comb not straight as you winter are too cold for them.

4. Depending on your land yes, they will be able to get enough food without feeding in the late spring thru early fall. What most do is still leave a feeder full so they have it should they choose. Most likly they will not and it will have to be filled like once every other month depending on how big it is.

Winter time will be your biggest problem. You will have your chickens locked up most winter so make sure they have 4sq feet or more inside the coop to each one or you will be headed for problems. You will need something to heat your water to keep it from freezing and you will be feeding daily at this point. So either place your coop close to the house or be prepared to walk thru snow to get to the coop daily. With temps as low as you are mention you might want to insulate the coop a bit to help keep it a bit warmer than outside temps.

I have delt with free ranging flocks for many years. I used to help a friend up North do it on his place and we do it here. It helps to know what preditores one has to deal with during the day. Even night time ones will hit in the day time if they are hungery enough. We had that problem up North almost whole flock was whiped out and they were right out side the house less than 20 feet from it.

There are risks to doing free ranging but the benifits truley can out weigh the risks for some of us. Our yolks are not yellow but deep orange and eggs are a bit sweet. Bugs are less and weeds getting there. I do not feed corn or soy to my flock in winter for personal reasons. But you will or need to or find a food that does the same for heating. Like you my mate in this case my hubby is not all that big into chickens. But he grew up on a farm and more is a cow person.

Good luck on whatever you choose. If you need more help just PM me here on BYC.

 

[charlie_D]

There are about 3 acres of wooded area total, 1 to the north and 2 at the far south end; they'd be living near the north side; yes, I'm in Canada, near Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba if that gives you an idea of the area (near being about 30 - 35km southeast).

As long as I can open them before work (I'd be leaving around 0600), the rest shouldn't be a problem; I'll just keep the feeder full and let them choose. I'm planning to insulate the shed I'm re-purposing for the winter.

Predators are a wild card; I'm not sure what's around yet. I'm hoping the dog will keep the coyotes and foxes away, but we'll see.

Large breed and darker colours; maybe partridge chanteclers then, since they were bred for the climate; my dad suggested red sussex or orpingtons as other options (that's what we used to use on the farm, apparently).

When I manage to get things arranged, I'll definitely send a PM or two with questions

Charlie