Some Misc. Newbe Questions

[scorwin]

My poulets are 11 weeks old. I have some questions and will probably add to these as I go along in my adventure.

• I see my chickens eating some of the smaller feathers that they lose once in awhile. Will that hurt them?

• When can I expect this first molt?

• Can they eat regular clover that's around all over. They are not free range. I pick greens and scatter them around.

* I'm slowly adding sand to my cement run. It's about 2 inches deep now. Do you still have to give them grit if they are eating on sand most of the time? (Of course their feed is in feeders)

Thanks all.

 

[Darklingstorm]

IMO feather eating might lead to feather picking on each other. Are you sure they are eating them or just curious about them. If they are eating it, then I would give them something else to grab their attention, like a head of cabbage on a chain.

I had a horrible clover problem, couldn't get rid of the stuff, then I got chickens...no more clover! So yes it is safe as long as you don't put any spray on it. Put watch what you grab not all plants are same for chickens to eat, even ones growing in your back yard.

Chicks actually through a juvenile molt around 12 weeks and then again around 18 months, then every year after that.

Sand is to fine a grit to work right in a chicken's crop. I would add a grit free-choice feeder to their coop.

Suggestion: I see from the picture that your feeders and waterer are sitting on the ground. I would either hang them by a chain or elevate them another way to keep them from getting dirt and poop in them. They should be just high enough so the shortest chicken can reach it to eat.

Great looking coop and run

 

[Jeanette56]

1. Feathers will not hurt them.

2. First Moult is usually about 18 months of age.

3. Clover should be fine IF you know for sure that's what it is and if your yard is not regularly spray with any chemicals/fertilizers.

4. Since you are raising them on sand they shouldn't need any extra grit.
You might want to consider putting some boards around the perimeter of your run so that all of your sand does not wash or blow away over time. I can't see what the top of the run looks like but your feeders & waterers would stay cleaner if you can hang them from chains. I just buy tie-out chains meant for dogs and cut them in half because you have a clip on both end. Of course that option would depend on how high the top of your run is. You can also buy chain by the foot at hardware stores along with hooks, clips and so forth. Nice looking set-up!

Hope this helps!

 

[scorwin]

Thanks for all the responses to my questions.
I will elevate or hang my feeders and waterer tomorrow.
Here's another one:
•Where does the grit go after it does it's job in their crop? Can they eat too much grit??

 

[ellandeeranch]

Great questions. I'm a fellow newb, and see they like feathers, too. Seems like the prefer food, but seeing something move just gets them going. I'm having fun every time I find a bug in the garden. Right into the chicken run it goes. Gone in a second or two.

Has anyone given a tomato hornworm to their chickens?

 

[KDK1]

•Where does the grit go after it does it's job in their crop? Can they eat too much grit??

First of all, the grit works in their gizzard, not their crop. As it wears away they will pass it and will replenish it as necessary. Generally they will not take more grit than they need. If they are eating anything else but feed and all they are getting is sand, I would offer them grit free choice.

 

[perchie.girl]

Feather eating can also be a sign that they need a little more protein in their diet. Tomato horn worms are great protein.... LOL. Be prepared to see Chicken football....

deb