The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Momo chicks]

@lalaland

I will be going in the morning. My neighbor called me and wants to go with me. They haven't been in years and want to go see what's new there....lol.
You guys must be on the same mind wave.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote:
Thanks. I thought that was the one.

Since it's specifically made for the goats, dogs, etc., I'd like to hear what Molly says about using it with poultry. I did contact her but she won't be back in town until after May 5 so I'd like to hear what she says. I will report back after I've discussed it with her

In the meantime...
Moonlight Mile (Susan Burek) makes herbal tincture and tonics that are specifically formulated for poultry. They do have a tonic that is aimed at immune system support.

I have to give my disclaimer, though. I feel that if I'm going to put something in my bird's waterer that I need to let them use if free-choice. Meaning that I would have more than one source of water and only put the tonic in one of them and let them choose if they want it rather than force. The only time I'd force is if there is a medical emergency and the item may save their life. So that's my philosophy...and especially with water, when using it for well animals, they need to have clean fresh water available to them imo.

Something I DO recommend is to increase vitamin A & D from a natural food source. They are both huge immune boosters and necessary for good health. Just being out in the sun will help with the vitamin D. If they are getting bugs/animal sources of protein they will get a good deal of the vitamin A they need (as opposed to beta carotene in vegs which isn't vitamin a but just a precurser.) I like to give them a shot of Fermented Cod Liver Oil from time (especially in winter) which is a fantastic source of Vitamin A &D in a bioavailable form too. More on Fermented Cod Liver Oil.


Here's a link to the avian tonics. There are also some other tonics on that page that may be useful as well.



Quote: http://moonlightmileherbs.com/herbaltonics.html

I'm kind of thinking that if the birds have a good amount of area to roam, they will likely have some good strong immune systems now that spring is here just by being able to get to some "real food" sources. If you don't have a lot of space, the herbals would likely be a good addition.

@lalaland

 

[Leahs Mom]

OH...and check out this herbal bug spray ... http://moonlightmileherbs.com/herbaltopical.html Looks very interesting...

 

[Leahs Mom]

UPDATE!

Molly did get back with me. She said yes! 1 T. per gallon of water (Molly's Herbals)

 

[armorfirelady]

Hi Momo,

I use FF in the summer, it doesn't work for me well in the winter with my work schedule and cold notherrn minnesota weather. I know some who use FF even in the winter with heated dog bowls.

I have never heard anyone say anything but good things about the positive outcomes for the chickens - they seem more eager to eat, feather faster and better, weight gain is fine, eat less....only negative I have heard anyone discuss is that the ff can be messy for the chickens, and some folks seem to be bothered by the smell. The smell is just fine to me - it is not a spoiled smell, more of a fermented smell. Oh yeah, some complain about the mess in their house or garage or wherever they are making the ff.

You need a tiny bit of extra time and space compared to dry feed.

I'm starting my ff up again.

Overall, cost is less even with additions because they are eating less , at least that is my thought. Harder for me to judge since in the summer they also eat less because there is more to forage than in winter.

I use FF all year round. I keep it in the house in a giant glass jar. I dont really notice a smell. It has a lid but even when its off I don't notice anything.

I use a heated dog bowl when the temps are below freezing (and it seems like winter wont EVER leave...low 27 tonight) I actually removed them a month ago lol

I have 3 year old hens who are still laying. All my hens have been on FF since I started with the exception of when they were chicks and I fed them chick feed. During the winter I feed them twice a day. This time of year once a day. I go thru probably 50 # grains every 2-3 months during the winter but the 100# I just mixed up will last me till the fall since they are out in the yard again.

Something I DO recommend is to increase vitamin A & D from a natural food source. They are both huge immune boosters and necessary for good health. Just being out in the sun will help with the vitamin D. If they are getting bugs/animal sources of protein they will get a good deal of the vitamin A they need (as opposed to beta carotene in vegs which isn't vitamin a but just a precurser.) I like to give them a shot of Fermented Cod Liver Oil from time (especially in winter) which is a fantastic source of Vitamin A &D in a bioavailable form too. More on Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

I am going to use the herbs I normally use for immunity health like I do all year. Of course thats only when I remember to add them to some eggs or yogurt lol

I do have bird nest boxes in the area where the hens go. There have not been any positive case in NY so I am cautious.

 

[lalaland]

very interesting! I think....I think giving the fresh garlic will work just about as well as the garlic tonic.....but I sure am interested in it. I like the idea of some of the other tonics, too, and the tinctures really sound good (expensive but I can understand why).

 

[lalaland]

Leah's mom - thats great. I need to order some worm herbs anyway, so maybe I'll throw in the immune system tonic from Molly. Maybe because I don't know whats in it makes me think I can't replicate it with fresh stuff.
I probably wouldn't do the worm herbs or the immune support except for the mareks in my flock, not to mention that Minnesota appears to be the center of the AI epidemic. First outdoor backyard flock was hit with AI, but it was a flock of 130 mixed chickens and guineas. Thats a big flock....

 

[lazy gardener]

Lazy gardener.....lol.

Why are you laughing?

I have some questions....

1) What are some of the advantages you have observed in your chickens since using FF?
Example: weight gain, feather condition , egg production....

2) Have there been any disadvantages from using FF with your chickens?
Example: Too much weight gain, unusual or bad poo....

3) Has using FF increased your budget for feed by adding BOSS and other additives to it than just regular feed?

4) Has the behavior changed in your flock since using FF?

If these questions have been asked already and answered I apologize but I haven't found them yet due to too many post to catch up on.

My flock has been on FF for about 2 years now. I can say that their poop smells less and is better consistency when they are on FF. The feed bill is less. Their feather quality is much brighter. My birds on FF have started laying sooner and more frequently than birds of my neighbors and friends from the same hatch date, and often from the same parents. (All other factors remain the same) Less issues with rodents b/c there is never any feed sitting out overnight. There is also not any feed billed out onto the floor. BOSS and any other grain additives are strictly optional. Behavior changes? I have nothing to base that on. Egg quality is exceptional.

 

[Momo chicks]

Lazy gardener

Witness protection program. That was a joke right? I am lewis7209. Sorry on mobile I don't know how to quote.

 

[lazy gardener]

And, I'm joking right back at you!!!