The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

BM - I have a feed mill within driving distance so I get it there. Fertrell has fish meal and you might find a dealer in your area. Several local farmers in my area sell Fertrell as part of their farm business and carry or can get the fish meal. If you go on their site you can check for a local dealer.

Click on the "Locate Dealer" http://www.fertrell.com/poultry.htm

http://www.fertrell.com/fishmealwnaturox.htm

 

[RedRidge]

Del & RedRidge ...and Any One Else!! 

I'm just starting to get the ingredients for mixing my own and will be making a transition over the next month or so.

I think both of you keep fish meal for mixing your feeds and I've always used fish meal in my feed-mill feed that they ground for me.  Friday I got 10 lbs of fish meal and some of the items I'm going to use for my mix.

On the fish meal - I am wondering how you've stored it for long-term storage.  I got 10 lbs this time as they let me purchase by the lb.; next time I have to get a 50 lb bag so that is going to last a LONG time w/my small flock.

On the 10 lbs. I have now, I vacuum sealed it into half gallon jars and I'm going to put it in the freezer.  (I have one of these :  http://www.foodsaver.com/product.aspx?pid=9066 )  It filled 4 jars (2 gallons) so if I get 50 lbs thats 20 jars...  A lot, but I could do it

What do y'all do for storage on larger quantities that will be around for awhile?

Hmm. I buy mine 50lbs at a time but have never worried about it going bad. My feed room is a constant temperature. Keeping mice and cats out has been my number one priority. I have enough chickens that I've never worried about it.
With other grains I make sure I only grind once a week. They all keep for the year just fine. Some like corn will keep in a crib for a very long time if you keep the raccoons out.

Sorry no help with shelf life. Seems like vac sealing can't hurt. Moisture and temperature are your worst enemies after varmints.

 

[Melabella]

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[Leahs Mom]

Is that your mamma and babies??

 

[Leahs Mom]

I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt it to freeze the fish meal (probably couldn't hurt it anymore than drying it in the first place...)? Ya think?

 

[RedRidge]

I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt it to freeze the fish meal (probably couldn't hurt it anymore than drying it in the first place...)? Ya think?

Here's some good fish meal storage info...
http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/1567/feed-study-examines-effects-of-fishmeal-storage

 

[Melabella]

Is that your mamma and babies??

Oh gosh no, couldn't resist using the picture.. she is a beautiful Mama though isn't she?

 

[Leahs Mom]

Since we were having a backyard forage discussion not too long ago - thought I'd post this video. Saw it on my daughter's blog! http://blogs.etruth.com/singinginthekitchen/2013/05/09/dont-fight-the-dandelion-eat-it

Just a little fun for the day

 

[kian]

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms of any variety

We have 7 of 8 hatched as of 15 minutes ago. Will do another coop crawl soon. Thank you all for your congrats!

 

[aoxa]

I have been quite busy this weekend, but coming in to say hey.

I have kept up with the posts, just haven't posted anything in response.

But here are some pictures to share...


Henry


Ivy She is our green silkie.. Long story short, Jamie and his daughter dyed a few silkies for Easter. Bath, and than rebath with food colouring. She is white. and she will be white again. I just liked her type. All of them are in poor condition from breeding season. They've been plucked, clipped, and were very smelly. I gave all the girls baths, and still have to do the two boys.


Boy #1 white. His tail and crest is all clipped.. I can't wait to see them in their full potential.


With both of his girls


and Blue boy with his girl in the back. She is the most out of condition. I won't even bother posting a picture of her.