The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[520farmer]

Hey folks-

Last week, I bought 3 healthy young laying hens to introduce to my flock, that were previously being used for breeding. Obviously, their butts are picked clean. The feathers are appearing to have some growth, but one of my spanish hens in particular can't seem to stop pecking. The pecking order stuff was sorted out in a day or two, but now when one of the new girls is taking a nap or hanging around, and my spanish hen happens to wander by, she'll take a few bites out of their butts! Then, she kind of follows them in an attempt to get a few more bites.

They have access to 18% protein organic feed, tons of fresh vegetables, food scraps, and I throw them some mealworms sometimes. They even have a screened raised bed of grass to eat. If it's a protein issue- why are my other 6 chickens uninterested? My run is 20x25 feet with 9 chickens- so it's not a space issue.

I know of a few conventional products that are advertised to stop pecking. I was wondering if anyone had any home remedies, holistic alternatives, etc? Anything that might help the feathers regrow while deterring my hungry spanish hen?

I don't know if you still need an answer but if you put one tablespoon of salt in one gallon of warm water and give that to them in the morning, then around noon replace with fresh clean water. repeat every two to three days as long as the problem persists

ive done this a few times and the most ive ever had to do was three times hope this helps y'all

 

[520farmer]

can anyone point me to a good thread or article about making your own chicken feed?

 

[520farmer]

found this thread with some really good info on what our chicks need, pretty interesting even if you don't wanna mix your own feed
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/82892/mixing-your-own-chicken-feed

 

[countrygirl74]

Loving all the coop pics......giving me great ideas for when I win the lottery

I wanted to share a couple pics fom today. Nothing fancy but they made me laugh

Now if we could just figure out how to get thru this door and get those mealy worms.......... (They were quite vocal here)

Love it - LOL

 

[OohLaLa]

Welcome wee ones to Paterson's Poultry Plantation & Garden (My Scottish Mother in Law and my Scottish Aunt gave that their seal of approval
My two white silkies, EE, Golden & Silver Laced Wyandottes, Buff Orpington & Astralorp are healthy and dong well. My brooder is a large ring of cardboard just big enough for me to step in at one point to tend them. When I do they all make a mad rush toward me. They like crawling all over my hands, especially the little buffy. My tiny EE is fearless leap frogging off the backs of the others if they are in the way of her ever changing destination. I think the poor little baby we lost was my Barred Rock, she looked like she never had a chance on arrival yesterday.

 

[4Hgirl]

Watching my 3 yr old help with the egg gathering is freak out moments galore.  It won't be long before I don't be the one gathering eggs.

My 3yo also helps collect eggs. She breaks at least one each time. The dogs enjoy the treat. But my ten yo gets mad since she sells those eggs.

 

[aoxa]

Welcome wee ones to Paterson's Poultry Plantation & Garden (My Scottish Mother in Law and my Scottish Aunt gave that their seal of approval
My two white silkies, EE, Golden & Silver Laced Wyandottes, Buff Orpington & Astralorp are healthy and dong well. My brooder is a large ring of cardboard just big enough for me to step in at one point to tend them. When I do they all make a mad rush toward me. They like crawling all over my hands, especially the little buffy. My tiny EE is fearless leap frogging off the backs of the others if they are in the way of her ever changing destination. I think the poor little baby we lost was my Barred Rock, she looked like she never had a chance on arrival yesterday.

They are adorable!

 

[armorfirelady]

Welcome wee ones to Paterson's Poultry Plantation & Garden (My Scottish Mother in Law and my Scottish Aunt gave that their seal of approval
My two white silkies, EE, Golden & Silver Laced Wyandottes, Buff Orpington & Astralorp are healthy and dong well. My brooder is a large ring of cardboard just big enough for me to step in at one point to tend them. When I do they all make a mad rush toward me. They like crawling all over my hands, especially the little buffy. My tiny EE is fearless leap frogging off the backs of the others if they are in the way of her ever changing destination. I think the poor little baby we lost was my Barred Rock, she looked like she never had a chance on arrival yesterday.

Sorry to hear about the one you lost. These chics are so stinkin' cute


Thanks every one for your opinions on chick feed. I think I will keep them on what they are now then switch to all flock & just keep the oyster shell free choice when they start laying.

And for those who were talking about broody Mama's in high nest boxes check out this video.......

 

[Child of Noah]

sorry to hear that, it is always sad to have a little pass.

Justine, it is going up so fast! really cool to see it, and bet you will love the light from the windows.

I thought I picked up a quote from you about getting Icelandic and Swedish chickens? I just got home from work and I am tired. Those DO look similar! If that is you, where are you getting them? My dream next batch of chickens will be Swedish Flower hens. They are beautiful, and, by all accounts also have nice personalities. Leah's Mom has some super pretty birds, maybe she will be ready to sell me some when I get ready to have them.

We call that chicken crack! They go nuts over them!

My chickens don't care for freeze dried mealworms. The ducklings love them. I think it is good that they don't so much care for them, because I think I may have an allergy?

Welcome wee ones to Paterson's Poultry Plantation & Garden (My Scottish Mother in Law and my Scottish Aunt gave that their seal of approval
My two white silkies, EE, Golden & Silver Laced Wyandottes, Buff Orpington & Astralorp are healthy and dong well. My brooder is a large ring of cardboard just big enough for me to step in at one point to tend them. When I do they all make a mad rush toward me. They like crawling all over my hands, especially the little buffy. My tiny EE is fearless leap frogging off the backs of the others if they are in the way of her ever changing destination. I think the poor little baby we lost was my Barred Rock, she looked like she never had a chance on arrival yesterday.

So cute.... I loved having my babies in the brooder box in the house... now I can hardly wait to do it again.

 

[Ashdoes]

Anyone have a natural way to get rid of the gnats in my houseplants?