The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[vpatt]

Hello alll,

I have question that I have been trying to research why some of our egg yolks break easily, like when they hit the frying pan and others don't. Some of the suggestions have been pointed to a protein deficiency, the hen might be molting, they aren't getting enough variety in diet,etc.

I want to ask here hoping someone can help me with this question. Our girls are 9 months old and we have a mixed flock as far as breeds go. Thanks!

I have had this happen sometimes too and have wondered about it......

But my main question now is what causes blood on the outside of the shells? I had it happen with a new layer when she laid really big eggs and finally it stopped. But now I have seen it on one of the dom eggs....this pullet is the only one who uses this nest so I know for sure who is leaving the bloody egg. She has been laying for a couple of months with no problems and now I have found eggs with blood on them for three or four days. I hope it is a temporary thing and not harmful to her her.

 

[ronott1]

Ron, where do you get the timothy pellets? Are they small (rabbit size) or large (for horses)?

I got them from TSC--They are rabbit size and work for Large Fowl breeds. I give to them in the winter when I can't get grass to them or let them out into the grass.

 

[Lacy Blues]

Are they too big for bantams? I have quite an assortment of bantams that I'd like to include. I usually chip apart the alfalfa cubes and soak them but some timothy pellets would add some variety.

 

[ronott1]

Are they too big for bantams? I have quite an assortment of bantams that I'd like to include. I usually chip apart the alfalfa cubes and soak them but some timothy pellets would add some variety.

They are a lot smaller than the alfalfa pellets so they may be able to eat them. Timothy pellets are easier for them to eat and digest. I don't wet it but they may like it that way.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I like the idea of using timothy better since most of the alfalfa on the market is now gm and would have used lots of herbicides.

I wonder how the timothy is raised?


ETA: I just looked at the brand that TSC sells... Here is what their website says about GMO/Herbicides:

Quote: http://standleeforage.com/products/faqs

 

[EastNashChick]

I like the idea of using timothy better since most of the alfalfa on the market is now gm and would have used lots of herbicides.

I wonder how the timothy is raised?


ETA:  I just looked at the brand that TSC sells... Here is what their website says about GMO/Herbicides:

 

Is there another option? I am highly allergic to Timothy and would like to avoid gmo's

 

[Leahs Mom]

I saw they also have Orchard grass cubes. Not sure if TSC carries them.

Interesting you should say you're allergic...The only time I've ever been around Timothy it seemed that it may affect me that way too. It made me sneeze right away.

We have cut grass hay from our pasture in the past and I never had that kind of reaction. I love smelling it and even the dry bales I like putting my nose right in and breathing in deeply. Not an issue at all.

 

[flyladyrocks]

Central Indiana Organics has Organic Alfalfa. If you plan to go to Chickenfest maybe someone could pick some up for you. I am thinking they are between $18-20 for 50 lbs. The thing about them is you have to call ahead and make sure that what you want is bagged. If it isn't, they can't always accurately tell you when they will have it bagged, you just have to keep calling and asking!

I saw they also have Orchard grass cubes. Not sure if TSC carries them.

Interesting you should say you're allergic...The only time I've ever been around Timothy it seemed that it may affect me that way too. It made me sneeze right away.

We have cut grass hay from our pasture in the past and I never had that kind of reaction. I love smelling it and even the dry bales I like putting my nose right in and breathing in deeply. Not an issue at all.

 

[potagergirl]

Central Indiana Organics has Organic Alfalfa. If you plan to go to Chickenfest maybe someone could pick some up for you. I am thinking they are between $18-20 for 50 lbs. The thing about them is you have to call ahead and make sure that what you want is bagged. If it isn't, they can't always accurately tell you when they will have it bagged, you just have to keep calling and asking!

What is a Chickenfest?
Where is a Chickenfest?
When is a Chickenfest?

 

[Leahs Mom]

Hahahah....

@potagergirl
Well.... Chickenfest is something that the Indiana people on BYC try to do on a yearly basis in the summer. It's a summer get-together where there is food and meeting folks from the forum and sometimes a few workshops and DEFINITELY FOOD! (Did I say food?) And...we have folks from a few other states that hang out too. IL, VA (seriously...someone comes from VA), MI. I didn't go last year but I did get the T-shirt If we go to the local county fairs, etc., we can wear the T-Shirt and if someone from the forum is there they will recognize the shirt and introduce themselves.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/909604/indiana-bycers-chickenfest-2015


@flyladyrocks
I have a source for organic alfalfa cubes up north here. I actually don't feed my birds alfalfa, however.