The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[pigeonguy]

Last spring I bought 6 debeaked Production Reds from a fellow for $3 each. They were from an Amish egg farm in Arkansas where they only keep their birds til 1 year old then replace. The fellow I got them from I'm sure paid $1 or less each as he buys about thousand each year. He said that he'd sell some eggs & birds locally, eggs that he couldn't sell he fed to his hogs, and by the time hot weather set in he would butcher whatever birds were left (usually a couple hundred). I truly did get my money's worth from those birds, as they were reliable daily layers of jumbo size eggs. However, that didn't last long. They pretty much quit laying by fall and really haven't started back up, except for one that is laying an occasional shelless egg. I'm going to cull them in the next few days. So the birds you get probably won'y lay for long, but will work great for a short time.

Yep that's about the size of it. Production birds raised the way they are don't last long. Then they are sold as cage free eggs. I'm pretty sure I read cage free standard in Illinois is 4 square feet of cage free space in a building. It does not specify that it has to be floor space. Free range eggs is the same plus access to the outside for 1 hour a day it does not say they have to go outside just have access to it. That means If there is a run of any size on the outside of the building they are free ranged. Pasture raised is 4 feet of pasture land per bird again nothing specified about any grass growing. Pasture raised does work out the best but there are some who can get nothing to grow on the land so they put chickens out there with the rocks and stubble and say they are pasture raised. If this is all true what are our eggs called. Humanely cage free, Humanely free ranged, Humanely pasture raised.

 

[pigeonguy]

OK next question. When broodies hatch the eggs are on there side not up and down like in egg turners for the bater. So if I broke from tradition and build a turner that was like those hot dog cookers where the hot dogs lay on the rollers and turn to cook rubber padding of course with a time delay to turn every 6 hours.. Do you think it would work?
Just sounds more natural to me.

 

[cywiar merch]

I love the idea of the open coops. If you look at jacke's coop here on byc, he built a really nice one. He inspired me to purchase and read the book: Fresh Air Poultry Houses by Prince T. Woods. I'm glad I got it and read it so that I understand the principles of how they are built. My hen house is not open however.

Here's a link to Jacke's coop... and if you have questions, if you PM him he's really good to converse with you on the topic.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/445004/woods-style-house-in-the-winter

Thanks for the link to that thread. That's an amazing coop. I wish I could get something similar. As I am just starting out, I figure I am in an ideal position to get it but unlike many people on here my back garden is not that huge. I also live in the UK, and while it does not get as cold or as snowy as parts of North America, it is quite wet and damp (at least where I live) I really do like the concept but from what I read on the thread, it does not scale down well. I will PM him and see what he thinks. I will also purchase the book - hope its on kindle.

 

[jlynnet]

A hot dog roller actually does sound more natural.
I enjoyed the Margaret video. She is so cute and feisty.
BDM your daughter is so sweet and growing up.

 

[cywiar merch]

To see her scratch around is so beautiful to me. At one point she was walking backwards and could not even stand.. Now look at her.

All I can say is "wow." Beautifully done. Perfect song. Margaret looks great. Thrilled to know there are such wonderful people in the world...y'all and all the people who care & support y'all.

Beautiful video. I am so pleased for yu that things are coming round for you!

 

[Pullet Surprise]

OK next question. When broodies hatch the eggs are on there side not up and down like in egg turners for the bater. So if I broke from tradition and build a turner that was like those hot dog cookers where the hot dogs lay on the rollers and turn to cook rubber padding of course with a time delay to turn every 6 hours.. Do you think it would work?
Just sounds more natural to me.

I have wondered about that myself. It sounds very logical to me. I guess the only way to find out is to try it.

Justine & BDM: your 'kids' feathered and human, made my night. What a joy! Happy is fine, but I'll take real joy whenever and where ever. These are two great examples.

 

[delisha]

OK next question. When broodies hatch the eggs are on there side not up and down like in egg turners for the bater. So if I broke from tradition and build a turner that was like those hot dog cookers where the hot dogs lay on the rollers and turn to cook rubber padding of course with a time delay to turn every 6 hours.. Do you think it would work?
Just sounds more natural to me.

I believe it has been tried. But let us know how it goes!

Quote: LM..I just wanted to thank you for all of your wonderful input and information. You are a pool of knowledge. I learn from you every day.

 

[lalaland]

Justine, how wonderful to see Margaret.

Your video was absolutely amazing - perfect soundtrack. can't believe the talen you have in telling a story. thank you.

 

[chikenscratch]

Hi,

I have a small flock and want them to be as organic as possible.  Our flock is for personal use, mostly eggs, but we do raise a few meat birds, although not the cornish x's.  Since we are new we have a mixed laying flock of several breeds and our meat birds are Brahms and Jersey Giants.  Both I am told are considered dual purpose breeds.

I am not sure what fermented feed is and would like to know more.  Do you make it yourself?  I have been able to find organic feeds locally and shipping is way to expensive.

Also what is the apple cider vingar used for?

Thanks for you time.  Dana

Dana
ACV must be the type with "mother" in it not just cheap ACV. I buy a brand called Braggs but some people here ferment their own from apples. The (FF and ACV) uses and "how to" instructions are really simple and beneficial, if you don't get the info you need PM either myself or delisha. Welcome!

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Hey Del, I am starting the chelation(sp) treatment tomorrow.

it helps