South FL Chickens?

[krokelly]

Hi,

I'll be starting up my chicken flock on property that I'm buying.
I have several questions:
1. What do I clean out the used coop with?
2. What kind of bedding is best?
3. I want organic birds/eggs. What feed is best?
4. I would like to use heritage birds, as I do not want these breeds to die out. What is a good source?
Oh, and it's actually more central FL, in zone 8.
Thank you all in advance.
KO

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I don't know all the answers to your questions but I'll answer the ones I do know: I use Sweet PDZ under the roost, it's a product that absorbs wetness/odors originally used in horses's stalls. Nest boxes I use shavings, and in the run I use sand which is very easy to clean. For finding birds in your area I would post on your state's thread to find locals who raise the kind of chickens you want: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you also you can check out this breeds chart to help you narrow down your decision: http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html best of luck to you.

 

[drumstick diva]

Some feed stores sell organic feed , I understand it is very expensive though.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Many of your question may be answered by looking through the Learning Center. Google the Henderson Chicken Chart for a good breed resource.

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have a new flock member onboard

I use vinegar to clean out my coop then hose down

For bedding I use just Straw but other people use different things

For feed most anything you eat and have left over and cracked corn, turkey feed with at least 20% protean, lay mash, some times rice that is the basic diet

That sounds like a good choice on chickens

Some of my flock eating rice as a treat

gander007

 

[krokelly]

What can I NOT feed chickens (like no grapes or chocolate for dogs, no azaleas for iguanas)

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[roostersandhens]

What can I NOT feed chickens (like no grapes or chocolate for dogs, no azaleas for iguanas)

Chickens can not eat citrus.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! The BYC chicken treat chart also has a list of what not to feed near the bottom. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[TwoCrows]

Looks like everyone has you on the right path here to learning. You might also stop by our learning center for other tips and hints on raising your new flock...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy BYC!