The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[TeaChick]

I went to get feed for my chickens yesterday and to do a bunch of other shopping (we make one trip a week, so we make it count lol). Anyway, I was on the dog food isle at Sam's and saw "Wild Bird feed". It had black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, etc. in it and "grain products". It was $25 for 40#.

1. What does "grain products" mean?
(I didn't even entertain getting it before I went to the feed store b/c I thought it might mean corn products and I want to try to avoid corn.)

2. Is that a good price for feeding free range chickens a fermented snack in the mornings?

 

[delisha]

I went to get feed for my chickens yesterday and to do a bunch of other shopping (we make one trip a week, so we make it count lol). Anyway, I was on the dog food isle at Sam's and saw "Wild Bird feed". It had black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, etc. in it and "grain products". It was $25 for 40#.

1. What does "grain products" mean?
(I didn't even entertain getting it before I went to the feed store b/c I thought it might mean corn products and I want to try to avoid corn.)

2. Is that a good price for feeding free range chickens a fermented snack in the mornings?

I use bird seed when I make cakes for the birds for treat in the winter..I normally stay away from seeds since they attract more rodents and wild birds..

grain products means it is the parts of grains most do not want or use..like cobs or stalks.

 

[TeaChick]

I use bird seed when I make cakes for the birds for treat in the winter..I normally stay away from seeds since they attract more rodents and wild birds..

grain products means it is the parts of grains most do not want or use..like cobs or stalks.

Okay. I can see what you're saying about attracting rodents and wild birds.
I keep the feed in the house (where rodents can't get to it, not like in a barn where they're more likely to) and I don't scatter it. I'd be feeding it fermented and inside the coop. Do you think I'd still have the same problem?

Is that alright to feed my chickens? They don't eat the cob of corn when I feed it to them on the cob (or when I put cobs from dinner in the compost pile) and IDK about the stalks.

I'm sorry, yes, I really am this new to keeping chickens.

 

[delisha]

update..

I have been treating all of the birds... I have not lost any today and some of the older birds who could not walk yesterday were up today. I pretty much think all of the chick are not going to make it and I am not really working with them much. They are so small and internal damage could be significant from even a few days of poison. I worry about damage. If they make it I will just cull them as meat birds. I was going to cull them all last night and decided to give them all another 24 hours. I will probably regret my decision since it was more emotional than good sense. I think I am over the hump with the adults. Now the hard work starts. I have to detox and pro gel for three weeks and send one off to the lab at the end of three weeks to see how much damage I did to them. They want me to put them on antibiotics after the detox since now they are more vulnerable to respiratory problems. I do not know if I can do that. I have a few weeks to make up my mind. My birds were strong before and that also helped to save most of them. I just hope I did not destroy their livers and gizzards. I think if I give them antibiotics i will destine them to liver failure for sure.


Thank you all so much for the links..the reading and calling and getting them on detox and pro gel so quickly probably saved them. They responded in less than 12 hours. It was remarkable. As a group you are the best. If my flock is saved..you all did it.

I am so grateful and thankful this Thanksgiving for wonderful people on this thread in my life..
I wish you and your family's a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I just wanted to let everyone know the lab called and they did not find anything..nothing..no worms..no damage....no disease they can see at this point...no sign of anything but a healthy well fed bird..

They want me to send them another bird..I think I am going to skip that suggestion..

again..thank you all for your support..suggestions and you saved my birds..

 

[lalaland]

Wow, great news, Delisha. That is just fabulous, I bet you are over the moon. And I wouldn't send them another one, either!

 

[mlowen]

I just wanted to let everyone know the lab called and they did not find anything..nothing..no worms..no damage....no disease they can see at this point...no sign of anything but a healthy well fed bird..

They want me to send them another bird..I think I am going to skip that suggestion..

again..thank you all for your support..suggestions and you saved my birds..

SO glad! Little miracles every day.

 

[delisha]

Quote: stop apologizing..you asking question helps many others so you are doing everyone a service..most are new to raising chickens and even people who have been doing it a while need help and resources..

You can feed your chickens almost everything. as long as they have the basics..
as a suggestion..keep a journal of all medications/treatments..and feeds/treats you give your birds.

 

[Shan30]

Moisture causes frost bite too..but the frost bite you are talking about has to do with exposure to extreme temps.  It all depends on the person or animal being exposed and there health. A baby will get frost bite before a teenager..etc..Any temps that are below 32 can cause frost bite. Windchill has a bit to do with it also..
Protection from the elements is all a person and animals need. Protection includes: dry. housing and bedding..no drafts..good food and fresh water.. fresh air and sunshine. Exercise.

Well don't I feel silly. Things can freeze once its freezing! Thank you

 

[Shan30]

Oh and congratulations! That's so great to hear!

 

[TeaChick]

I just wanted to let everyone know the lab called and they did not find anything..nothing..no worms..no damage....no disease they can see at this point...no sign of anything but a healthy well fed bird..

They want me to send them another bird..I think I am going to skip that suggestion..

again..thank you all for your support..suggestions and you saved my birds..

You saved your birds. You made the hard decisions and did all the work!!!
I wouldn't send them another bird either, personally.
Kudos to you, Hon!!!