What advice do you have for me?

[123RedBeard]

Scratch and Peck is a name brand of the feed ... https://www.scratchandpeck.com it's fine.

At this point ... I'd just wait until all of them are roughly the same physical size ... integrating little ones, and adults, is much different than toddlers, preteens, teens ...

The pipe is fine in HI

 

[coach723]

I keep reading about hardware cloth. What is that? How is it used?

It's welded wire mesh. Lowes, Home Depot, hardware stores, amazon all sell it. I found the best source for me was my local Ace hardware store, I order by the 100 foot roll and it's much cheaper overall. Comes in various widths and hole sizes. For chickens 1/2" or smaller is best. It is on some of your coops already, rabbit hutches are often made of it. It's sturdiest when installed either with screws and washers (as opposed to staples) or sandwiched between two layers of wood screwed together.

Looks like most or all of your structures are also prefab coops. If you are in this long term you will probably need something sturdier. They don't hold up real well over time. I wouldn't trust one in a hurricane at all. I'd use them for now, but have a plan for something sturdier in the future. A converted shed is often the most economical way to do it. Or just start making a list of must haves/ and things you hate about what you have, and plan to build what you want. That is ultimately what I did. And since I'm also in a hurricane state, mine is anchored with mobile home anchors.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thank you for the advice on feeding. When I bOught the chicks the feed store owner gave me the bag of feed and said here this is all you need. Keep their feeder full. The feed brand is scratch and peck it’s organic and it comes in 3 stages: starter, grower and layer. The one I buy is starter and it’s about to run out. Do you suggest another brand?

Well that is one expensive feed!

Are they eating every type of grain in the feed?
If so it is fine. If they are picking through it I would change to a pellet or crumble.

My concern was more to do with the homemade feed. It is extremely difficult to keep fresh, keep balanced and find the needed add ins.

To be honest.....I am NOT impressed with Becky's methods in the least.

I think that feed store is pushing for sales on the expensive feed.....there are other less expensive feeds that the birds cannot pick the goodies out of.

 

[21hens-incharge]

......
Wondering what the purpose of the DE is in the feed recipe from "Becky's Homestead" and how much is going into it.

 

[Lawrence Lovestock]

Well that is one expensive feed!

Are they eating every type of grain in the feed?
If so it is fine. If they are picking through it I would change to a pellet or crumble.

My concern was more to do with the homemade feed. It is extremely difficult to keep fresh, keep balanced and find the needed add ins.

To be honest.....I am NOT impressed with Becky's methods in the least.

I think that feed store is pushing for sales on the expensive feed.....there are other less expensive feeds that the birds cannot pick the goodies out of.

Thank you! Can you suggest the brand for me please. There’s about 2 days left of this and I’d like to buy what’s better. Thank you!

 

[Lawrence Lovestock]

......
Wondering what the purpose of the DE is in the feed recipe from "Becky's Homestead" and how much is going into it.

Each product is a 10# bag and 1/2c DE

 

[Lawrence Lovestock]

It's welded wire mesh. Lowes, Home Depot, hardware stores, amazon all sell it. I found the best source for me was my local Ace hardware store, I order by the 100 foot roll and it's much cheaper overall. Comes in various widths and hole sizes. For chickens 1/2" or smaller is best. It is on some of your coops already, rabbit hutches are often made of it. It's sturdiest when installed either with screws and washers (as opposed to staples) or sandwiched between two layers of wood screwed together.
View attachment 1884687
Looks like most or all of your structures are also prefab coops. If you are in this long term you will probably need something sturdier. They don't hold up real well over time. I wouldn't trust one in a hurricane at all. I'd use them for now, but have a plan for something sturdier in the future. A converted shed is often the most economical way to do it. Or just start making a list of must haves/ and things you hate about what you have, and plan to build what you want. That is ultimately what I did. And since I'm also in a hurricane state, mine is anchored with mobile home anchors.

Yes prefab I went into this adventure not realizing I’d get this deep and enjoy it. I was going to just have a few and that’s it. I was also trying to use what we got and thrift shop, hence the houses. But now that I have 13 plus 1 rooster I am exploring a lot of other options. Expansion, Building a structure, etc ... I’m so appreciative of your help!

 

[Lawrence Lovestock]

Well that is one expensive feed!

Are they eating every type of grain in the feed?
If so it is fine. If they are picking through it I would change to a pellet or crumble.

My concern was more to do with the homemade feed. It is extremely difficult to keep fresh, keep balanced and find the needed add ins.

To be honest.....I am NOT impressed with Becky's methods in the least.

I think that feed store is pushing for sales on the expensive feed.....there are other less expensive feeds that the birds cannot pick the goodies out of.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would recommend an all flock feed or a starter grower feed. The brand is NOT as important as having it in pellets or crumble form.

I personally have used Purina all flock for my birds. Nutrena makes a nice feed as well.

Layer feed won't be needed until yours are laying.
I choose to continue an all flock feed and have oyster shell on the side in its own dish. They get what they need as they need it.

Just read the labels....
You want at minimum 16% protein....I prefer to feed mine slightly higher at 18%.

 

[Chickassan]

I second the Becky's homestead not being the best source of information, she's great for entertainment though.
You've gotten great information so far.
Brown's makes a really nice chick food. https://www.fmbrown.com/encorer-natural-chick-starter.html
For the growing stage purina flock raiser.https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb-2800977?cm_mmc=feed-_-GoogleShopping-_-Product-_-2800977&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0eLEtdmU5AIVuf_jBx0_cQ4sEAQYAiABEgKP6vD_BwE
And for laying kalmbach crumbles.https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feeds-all-natural-layer/dp/170372
This combo has raised a lot of healthy birds.
BTW, DE has no use what so ever in food or really on chickens externally either.
It is a good short term solution for ants around the coop.