Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[Imprfctme]

I started mixing the layer feed and the medicated chick feed together into the big feeder. They are all eating each other's feed anyway at this point. Pros? Cons?

Also an article in our local paper today about another family that wants to keep chickens. They have 13 on 5acres and they are in trouble for being over the 6 bird limit plus they have two roosters.

 

[Cheeky Chick]

I started mixing the layer feed and the medicated chick feed together into the big feeder. They are all eating each other's feed anyway at this point. Pros? Cons?

Also an article in our local paper today about another family that wants to keep chickens. They have 13 on 5acres and they are in trouble for being over the 6 bird limit plus they have two roosters.

From what I've read, young chickens shouldn't have layer feed, it's better for all of them to have grower/chick feed. Too much calcium, causes kidney problems.

I was wondering about that myself, since I just brought the older girls home, but upon searching found that out, and that if you put out the oyster shell, only the birds that need it will eat it. (which is cool!)

Sad about someone having to get rid of chickens. I keep finding out about more and more of my neighbors that have chickens and I had no clue! Weird considering the area I'm in! But I like it!

 

[highpointfarm]

I started mixing the layer feed and the medicated chick feed together into the big feeder. They are all eating each other's feed anyway at this point. Pros? Cons?

Also an article in our local paper today about another family that wants to keep chickens. They have 13 on 5acres and they are in trouble for being over the 6 bird limit plus they have two roosters.

I have all my birds (2 year, 17 week [not laying yet] and 10 week old) on all flock feed, and give oyster shells for the laying hens, and they all get a little bit extra protien.

 

[highpointfarm]

From what I've read, young chickens shouldn't have layer feed, it's better for all of them to have grower/chick feed. Too much calcium, causes kidney problems.

I was wondering about that myself, since I just brought the older girls home, but upon searching found that out, and that if you put out the oyster shell, only the birds that need it will eat it. (which is cool!)

Sad about someone having to get rid of chickens. I keep finding out about more and more of my neighbors that have chickens and I had no clue! Weird considering the area I'm in! But I like it!

the calcium will dissolve the protective layer in crop if not being used..... IE old birds, roosters, young birds.

 

[Toxic Chicken]

I defiantly have 2 Orpington Roos

They are so pretty it's a shame I can't keep them.
Here are 2 of my wheaten Americana

Boy?

Girl?

They grow SO fast.
The guy in the first picture even try's to dominate my 3&1/2 month olds. He's a bully. Has pulled the tail feathers off the blue guy.

 

[Toxic Chicken]

Here are my oldest 2

Mally $ Nana

Here is the Orpungtington my Dad named Opatwo

I think this ones a girl so I can keep it.

 

[Toxic Chicken]

Big mean Roo. I love him.

He is also missing tail feathers. /sigh

Hes only mean to the other Roo
He cuddles with me.

Dam u govnmt people. Sexist pigs, there's nothing
wrong with momas little tough guys. The dogs in
my neighborhood make a ton of noise, and the lawn mowers
Weed wackers and illegal moter bikes the teenagers
race around on. BUT no, I have to rehome or cull my
sweet orp Roos. Some laws are just plain stupid.

 

[ChickenAl]

Al, great link on the grass. Thanks for posting!
Now if I could just get the moles to leave.
Milky spore is just so expensive.... I was outside a few days ago, and actually saw the dirt tunnel moving.
Went and got the hose, and gave him a bath.
For a few hours.
I know it didn't do anything, but it did make me feel a little better!

Roberta, they make these things that look like solar path lights that you put into the lawn and it emits a vibration that drives them nuts, and then they leave. This is supposedly how it works. The other way is a trap that goes in the ground. It's messy but it's effective.

 

[ChickenAl]

I started mixing the layer feed and the medicated chick feed together into the big feeder. They are all eating each other's feed anyway at this point. Pros? Cons?

Also an article in our local paper today about another family that wants to keep chickens. They have 13 on 5acres and they are in trouble for being over the 6 bird limit plus they have two roosters.

Caleb is correct. Feed them flock raiser and oyster shell on the side for a mixed age flock.

It looks like the town and media are focusing on bringing chicken raisers into the crosshairs. The more egregious violators of laws get a pass and they focus on pets. Go figure? My personal opinion is there is probably someone in the town government, or a friend or relative of one, that does not like or want chickens around. Hopefully, none of your neighbors are holding elected town office.

 

[Toxic Chicken]

When's the next chicken show?