The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

I bought two of these to replace some of those cheapish red ones you can get at the feed store.. These ones are 19 inches long by 4" wide and 3" deep. I bought them primarily for the basement babies. I bought buckets so I am going to finally start fermenting again.

Where did you get those? I was looking at these on premier, also, thinking I might be able to use for ff but I keep thinking they'll be light weight enough to just tip over: (The orange one)


http://www.premier1supplies.com/detail.php?prod_id=30976&criteria=trough

 

[Leahs Mom]

Do you think you could rig one of those with a wire insert for water so that they couldn't get their feet in it for use w/a heater - or is it too lightweight? You'd want something that can't tip over easily, of course!

 

[aoxa]

Where did you get those? I was looking at these on premier, also, thinking I might be able to use for ff but I keep thinking they'll be light weight enough to just tip over: (The orange one)


http://www.premier1supplies.com/detail.php?prod_id=30976&criteria=trough

From Strombergs https://www.strombergschickens.com/index.php

Shipping was awesome too. Only $33 to Canada

I had a lot on that order, not just the feed troughs. I had to replace a lot of my supplies and I didn't feel like leaving the house LOL. The insurance covers shipping so why not.

 

[aoxa]

Do you think you could rig one of those with a wire insert for water so that they couldn't get their feet in it for use w/a heater - or is it too lightweight? You'd want something that can't tip over easily, of course!

I don't know how much it weighs.. it looks heavy by the picture, but it's actually due to deliver today so I will let you know how heavy it feels.

https://www.strombergschickens.com/product/dura-feeder-7-wideX29longX3deep/trough-and-wall-mounted
There is a larger one if I like the ones I just got.

 

[BlueMouse]

I wonder if you could get some kind of trough that is set up in a way that they can't step in it (maybe a wire grate over the top that they can get into to drink but prevents walking in?) and lay one of the fish tank heaters inside it.

I think I might experiment with something like that this summer to see if you could make something like that...in the summer so you can work out any bugs with them being able to walk in it.... before they have to use it in the winter so you don't get any surprises!

This is a GREAT idea. If I can't get the cup waterers not to freeze I might try this! although for this I think it might be easier to use a bitd bath heater that is supposed to be completely submerged.

Ok all you DL masters. My coop smells! Am I doing something wrong, or has it just not had time to get "working" yet? I started with staw, because I didn't know any better, but have been adding to it with dry leaves, and pine chips. I throw down some birdseed in there every day, and they vigerously "turn" it for me. Every couple days I put a new layer down on top. My coop is not overcrowded, and they free range during the day. I leave the big double doors open during the day, and by the time I lock them up the smell has mostly dissapated, but when I open them up in the morning... whew.... stinky.

 

[ramblinH]

QUESTION

How many here use Fertrell Poultry Nutri-Balancer or similar product?

Am trying to decide what suppliments I should add to my flocks feeding. Currently feeding my chicks organic fermented feed & ACV in their water. They will be free-ranged & DL in coop. I will also suppliment with yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, liver & herbs as I see need. Will also be growing pumpkins, squash & sunflowers this summer for winter feeding.

One priority with my flock is keeping costs down but if adding a suppliments like the above mentioned will help keep them healthy, will definetly consider it worth the investment. Just wanted you all's opinion ~ thanks !

 

[Leahs Mom]

I use organic fertrell nutri-balancer. So does Harvey Ussery - but he says he's thinking of discontinuing it if he can figure out a way to be sure they're getting all the minerals they need. http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Making-Poultry-Feeds-1.html

It also has probiotic in it which I like. Helps enhance the ferment, I'm sure!

 

[Leahs Mom]

This is a GREAT idea. If I can't get the cup waterers not to freeze I might try this! although for this I think it might be easier to use a bitd bath heater that is supposed to be completely submerged.

I think a bird bath heater may not work for aoxa due to extremely low temperatures where she is. I originally used one and it didn't heat heat hot enough to keep the cups open. The fish tank heater did a great job as they get the water warmer... and it's also designed to be submerged in water

 

[aoxa]

QUESTION

How many here use Fertrell Poultry Nutri-Balancer or similar product?

Am trying to decide what suppliments I should add to my flocks feeding. Currently feeding my chicks organic fermented feed & ACV in their water. They will be free-ranged & DL in coop. I will also suppliment with yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, liver & herbs as I see need. Will also be growing pumpkins, squash & sunflowers this summer for winter feeding.

One priority with my flock is keeping costs down but if adding a suppliments like the above mentioned will help keep them healthy, will definetly consider it worth the investment. Just wanted you all's opinion ~ thanks

!

They don't need that unless you are mixing your own feed.

 

[aoxa]

I think a bird bath heater may not work for aoxa due to extremely low temperatures where she is. I originally used one and it didn't heat heat hot enough to keep the cups open. The fish tank heater did a great job as they get the water warmer... and it's also designed to be submerged in water

yes I can't imagine anyone here actually heating a bird bath in the winter. Don't think it would be possible.. Especially in January & February..

I like the fish pump/heater idea. Something to consider.