The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[jlynnet]

Our squirrels and chipmunks get to the acorns first. The chickens don't seem interested enough to bother getting them. Now te raspberries are another story! They jump up for those.

 

[BlueMouse]

I also don't use flax seed.

I read with great interest the modern homesteader articles when you posted them earlier (I think it was on this thread, I get confused sometimes... lol...) and they encouraged me to take the plunge and mix my own ration. I am curious why you don't use flax seed though?

 

[rowerjen]

Our squirrels and chipmunks get to the acorns first.

One of my dogs loves acorns. Some times my chickens will nibble on her leftovers. We have lots of grouse and they also eat a lot of acorns.

 

[delisha]

Quote:
X2..since I use it

 

[Leahs Mom]

On flax seed...

Now this is just MY thing...no one else in the world may agree and, who knows, I may change my mind sometime in the future. But for now, based on the info I have...

One of the reasons I like to avoid some items is the higher level of phyto-estrogens/isoflovones/genistein (in legumes, flax, etc.) and xeno-estrogens (not sure I spelled that correctly but they are the "synthetic" estrogens that are found in plastics - including vinyl siding - and other chemical items in our environment that we are exposed to daily in much higher levels than at any other time in history.)

Since we are so over-exposed to estrogens at this time in history due to so many synthetics that we live with and don't even realize, I try to minimize my - and my animals - exposure to more estrogens.

Soy, legumes in general-including clover, flax...all are high in phyto-estrogens.

Studies have shown that one of the reasons we have so many more "female issues" and male reproductive issues at this time in history than in prior times is estrogen-overload. Not only reproductive issues, but the hormone balance in general can be in a state of havoc also.

It also affects the reproductive health in our animals as well as their meat, eggs, and milk have higher levels of the hormones which we then ingest. This even includes "supressing" the immune system, endocrine issues...and it goes on and on.

Legume hay (soy, alfalfa, clover, etc.) also has this potential so when I get hay, I specify GRASS HAY rather than legume hay.

Here are a few things that may be interesting to skim through:

This one mentions the affects on animals. This particular list is referring to the isoflovones, genistein (mostly in soy) but other sources as well:

http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-ale...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=


General estrogen article
http://www.westonaprice.org/womens-...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=

Effects on men:
http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-ale...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=


Endocrine disruption and man-made chemicals:
http://www.westonaprice.org/environ...pdHkiO2k6NDtzOjE1OiJlc3Ryb2dlbml6YXRpb24iO30=


It goes on and on.......

Here is a whole list of articles regarding estrogens - both plant and synthetic. You can choose which title interests you:

http://www.westonaprice.org/search/search?q=estrogen

 

[bluebirdnanny]

Wow mom! What an eye opener and I just planted clover/chicory mix in the field behind the house where I wanted to let them free range in the future! Guess I will have to overseed a different area with something else for them and let the deer have the other area.

 

[Leahs Mom]

You know...I think moderation is the issue. It's just the OVERLOAD we have at this time in history.

I'd just keep it in mind when I'm planting for the future rather than worrying about it all!

 

[OohLaLa]

I'm so behind in my daily-minute/hourly fix of my byc addiction

....but I know someone asked me about my set up for the soda bottle watering system....go to tsc and go to the "bunny" isle where they have the food and supplies..the conversion kit is in that isle. It is a water bottle nozzle, washer, hangers, I think they cost about $3-something. Then all you need is liter soda bottles...install where you like. Now I will say this...they will leak a little till they seal. But it won't last long...just make sure you completely fill the bottle and you put the spring-hanger on before you put your bottle in it. It's a really tight fit and I found it easier to put the hanger on first then pull the hanger over the bottle to side of the coop. My bigger flock had never drank from a watering system like this but they took to it in minutes. The water dripping showed them where the new water was at-I suppose. Now baby picture time...this is Fru Fru the littlest-sweet Creole polish baby we bought a week ago. She(hoping for a hen) is my daughter's favorite...ENJOY

Very cute

 

[Leahs Mom]

I've actually been trying to find a way to reduce the peas I have in my feed for the same reason. Tried to go the route of the meat meal with no luck.

It's another reason to get them outside getting bugs, toads, snakes, mice, etc., when they can. The more protein they pick up from those sources the better! also why I like to give them the raw meat as a good amount of their protein when I can.

 

[armorfirelady]

So I decided tonight was the night to move the girls into their new digs. They have been roosting for a couple hours, its almost completely dark out & the auto pop door was closed. So 2x2 I carried them into their new coop & put them on the new roost. All 4 hopped down and proceeded to put up a stink and tapping at the glass door and the wooden pop door to be let out . About 5 minutes later one hopped up on the tree limb roost & the other 3 followed suit. They are still talking & moving but I hope they settle down. I'm going to back out in a little while & check again. Temps are in the 40s with a breeze & of course they roost on the tree limb by end that's not covered :/. But in their doll house coop that's the roost they picked to. Maybe they like to watch outside as they go to sleep?

Fingers crossed they settle down ok. The new roosts are higher then the old ones but they flew up easily to it. Plus instead of 4 hens on a 24 inch 2x4 they have an 8 ft 2x4 and a 5 ft tree branch to spread out on. With new additions in a couple months I wanted to make sure there was ample roosting space. Sigh ........I think all the new space confuses them.

Should be interesting to see if they out in fenced area in the morning now that they don't have to wait for me to open the door...........
Fingers crossed !!!

Oh they were happier earlier when I showed them the compost pile