Texas

[back2simplelife]

Have ya'll tried the 2 bucket method? Sounds pretty simple and non messy for sure! Excited to try but right now I am on my last few days of medicated chick starter (I am mixing it with grower) and don't think that would work to well? Do you cover the top with a towel like Kraut? Screen like when you sprout? or what do you to with the top?

 

[wlhtx]

I haven't tried the two bucket method, but have considered it... I just haven't wanted to drill all the holes in the inside bucket.

I got a mess paint strainer that usually fits inside a 5 gallon bucket, but I flip it and run it down to fit on top of the bucket. Keeps bugs out. I also have a lid that I keep cracked on top.

 

[TexasLisa]

I use a 2-bucket system. I drilled the holes in the bucket. Very time consuming! I put a lid that has broken edges on top of the ff. That way fresh air and bugs (extra protein) can get in. Some put a towel over it. I am like wlhtx--I use scratch and pellets. Sometimes I add Oregano, Garlic Powder, and Cayenne Pepper to the mixture .

Lisa

 

[wlhtx]

I have put spices in there occasionally. I also even put dried cat food in there once when I was trying to get rid of a bag...

 

[back2simplelife]

We just got through drilling in PVC to make feeders so I totally get it.. lol Because we will be doing it inside... under my Kombucha system and where I sprout our own grains.. I def don't want bugs in it.. lol So screen it will be! Thanks ya'll!

 

[back2simplelife]

Lisa, what is oregano good for besides a natural antibiotic?

 

[wlhtx]

Lisa, what is oregano good for besides a natural antibiotic?

Lisa may have other info, but I've read that Oregano "contains antibiotic properties which may help prevent avian flu, blackhead, coccidia, e-coli, infectious bronchitis, and salmonella."

I found this info shortly after my husband had a bout of either e-coli or salmonella. He dips tobacco and we assume he didn't wash his hands good before he put a dip in. He was sick as a dog, and while I did feel bad for him, it was also a kind of "told you so" moment for me... Anyways, We had an older bottle of dried oregano in our spice pantry. When I cleaned out the old spices, I dumped the remainder of the bottle in the FF. I figured it couldn't hurt...

You'll find some people on BYC that grow fresh herbs specifically to feed their birds. I think it's a lovely idea, but just not one that I personally have time for.

 

[TexasLisa]

Lisa, what is oregano good for besides a natural antibiotic?

I agree with what wlhtx has said. I found the following online:

Here is a basic listing of herbs and their uses for chickens:


Basil

Used for mucus membrane health and has antibacterial properties
Catnip

Repels insects and used as a sedative/relaxant
Cilantro

Helps keep fungus at bay, antioxidant properties, bone health, high in Vitamin A for eye health and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Dill

Respiratory health, antioxidant properties, sedative/relaxant
Fennel

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Garlic

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) / helps control parasites
Lavender

Smells wonderful, lowers stress, circulatory health, , insect repellant
Lemon Balm

Smells nice in the coop, lowers stress, antibacterial, repels rodents
Marigold

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Marjoram

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Mint

Used in nest/coop -(all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent
Nasturtium

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying), antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, de-wormer
Oregano

Contains antibiotic properties which may help prevent avian flu, blackhead, coccidia, e-coli, infectious bronchitis and salmonella
Parsley

Promotes circulatory system development, enhances reproductive health (egg laying), rich in vitamins
Peppermint

helps control parasites, insect repellant,
Pineapple Sage

Promotes nervous system health, smells wonderful
Rose Petals

Highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C
Rosemary

Pain relief, respiratory health, insect repellant
Sage

Antioxidant, helps control parasites,
Spearmint

Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nervous system, circulatory and brain functions
Tarragon

Antioxidant properties
Thyme

Promotes respiratory health, antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, helps control parasites

 

[back2simplelife]

I agree with what wlhtx has said. I found the following online:

Here is a basic listing of herbs and their uses for chickens:


Basil

Used for mucus membrane health and has antibacterial properties
Catnip

Repels insects and used as a sedative/relaxant
Cilantro

Helps keep fungus at bay, antioxidant properties, bone health, high in Vitamin A for eye health and Vitamin K for blood clotting
Dill

Respiratory health, antioxidant properties, sedative/relaxant
Fennel

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Garlic

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) / helps control parasites
Lavender

Smells wonderful, lowers stress, circulatory health, , insect repellant
Lemon Balm

Smells nice in the coop, lowers stress, antibacterial, repels rodents
Marigold

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Marjoram

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying)
Mint

Used in nest/coop -(all kinds) - insecticide and rodent repellent
Nasturtium

Enhances reproductive health (egg laying), antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, de-wormer
Oregano

Contains antibiotic properties which may help prevent avian flu, blackhead, coccidia, e-coli, infectious bronchitis and salmonella
Parsley

Promotes circulatory system development, enhances reproductive health (egg laying), rich in vitamins
Peppermint

helps control parasites, insect repellant,
Pineapple Sage

Promotes nervous system health, smells wonderful
Rose Petals

Highly aromatic, high in Vitamin C
Rosemary

Pain relief, respiratory health, insect repellant
Sage

Antioxidant, helps control parasites,
Spearmint

Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulates nervous system, circulatory and brain functions
Tarragon

Antioxidant properties
Thyme

Promotes respiratory health, antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, helps control parasites

Thank you! Great list! We take it (and garlic) as natural antibiotics in this house.. Interesting that the oregano is pretty much the same as humans but it doesn't list garlic has antibiotic properties! humm..

 

[wlhtx]

I copied a similar list into a chicken spreadsheet that I keep. My list shows that garlic "enhances reproductive health (egg laying); also strong antibiotic, expectorant, antihistamine, great for colds and respiratory infections; antifungal, benefits circulation system"