The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[delisha]

Aoxa, Mumsy...

Did you look at my silkie egg I posted?

 

[aoxa]

I am glad everyone is eating!!!
Bread amongst other things can cause sour crop. In the case of bread, I think it is the process of turning to sugar in the hen's crop that is the cause of this. The sugar then allows yeasts to grow in the crop and adhere to the lining, so that the problem persists. If this is allowed to continue then opportunist bacteria can also start to infect the crop and you have a very nasty problem.
Dried out bread or hardtack soaked in buttermilk is OK to feed. The buttermilk acts like FF and will help to protect the crop and intestines.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/614951/help-me-with-sour-crop-please

I give bread maybe once every 3 months. I'll get a loaf that has gone stale at the store. Just for a treat. One loaf for 140 birds.

They get a whole lot of kitchen scraps though. They even eat celery (I didn't think they would).

They get scraps every single day before bed.

 

[Mumsy]

Thanks for all of the herb answers. For right now FF is not really our thing, but I will try the dried herbs. Thinking I might make them an herbal loaf of bread. They love bread, and I'm thinking it would less waste verses putting dried herbs in their feeders. now I just have to decide on the amount of each herb. And for how many days I'm willing to try it. Then off to the store since I'm almost out of oregano.

I've fed my show chickens rusked whole grain bread soaked in 2% milk or buttermilk (what ever was in the fridge) for years during molt. Once a day in the morning. Straining the excess liquid out before feeding. As much as they want to eat at one time then remove it. I've never had a chicken get sour crop. Not part of their regular diet. But as a way to help them grow in lush feathers.

 

[aoxa]

Aoxa, Mumsy...

Did you look at my silkie egg I posted?

Yes I did. I commented back there.

Looks normal to me. I always see a little at the bottom. They still hatch fine.

I think all this talk about silkies being harder to hatch has you paranoid!

 

[armorfirelady]

Quote: You could also add herbs to yogurt. I know my hens love their yogurt when I give it to them once a month or so. I usually add some healthy granola to it but I think the herbs would be just as appetizing

 

[aoxa]

You could also add herbs to yogurt. I know my hens love their yogurt when I give it to them once a month or so. I usually add some healthy granola to it but I think the herbs would be just as appetizing

Make sure yoghurt is plain though. Too much sugar in the flavoured yoghurt is not good for them either.

 

[Sally8]

Did you guys hear me before?

I didn't hear you before so I'm glad you reposted. That's great news!

 

[delisha]

Quote: I agree there is little at the bottom..but this is not a little..this is sooooo much and more than the actual chick. I have no idea how it could possibly absorb all that fluid in a few days.

And yes I am a paranoid wreck. I am glad my DH is gone for the week.

 

[Mumsy]

Aoxa, Mumsy...

Did you look at my silkie egg I posted?

Yes. Other than looking like an itty bitty Silkie, I think it is ok. Today is day 20. Any pips in your batch?

 

[aoxa]

I agree there is little at the bottom..but this is not a little..this is sooooo much and more than the actual chick. I have no idea how it could possibly absorb all that fluid in a few days.

And yes I am a paranoid wreck. I am glad my DH is gone for the week.

Hmm your picture doesn't look like you are describing it.. Are they moving?