SufficientSelf's Chicken Thread!!!

BarredBuff

El Presidente de Pollo
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
9,308
Reaction score
1,018
Points
397
Location
Kentucky
I thought this would be a good little thread to start. We can share pictures, husbandry techniques, how many eggs we got today, etc. :D

Post away!
 

BarredBuff

El Presidente de Pollo
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
9,308
Reaction score
1,018
Points
397
Location
Kentucky
1419_hpim0384.jpg

Some of my old Dominique Biddies!

Just a question, how much/what do you feed a day?
 

deb4o

Lovin' The Homestead
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
395
Reaction score
0
Points
79
Location
central wa
I have 18 layers and 2 roos-I use a self feeder that holds about 20lbs of regular ol layer crumbles and fill it once every 4 to 5 days. I also cook for them,usually at least 3 times a week they get mixed veggies and meat scrapes all cooked up in a pot.They get leftover bread,biscuits,rolls,pancakes....just about anything.

I have been getting 10 to 14 eggs a day,I feel thats not bad for winter.
 

Beekissed

Mountain Sage
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
12,774
Reaction score
3,934
Points
437
Location
Mountains of WV
What I feed and how much varies with the seasons and the chicken's needs/production levels.
 

the funny farm6

Super Self-Sufficient
Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
1,425
Reaction score
136
Points
222
Location
Iowa
I have 9 hens. No eggs. They quit laying over a month ago, they are all between 2-3 years old. I had gotten some year old hens a few months ago but the owls took them! Funny how they left the old girls. So this spring putting a roof over the coop and starting a whole new flock.

Eta- I feed nutrena layer feed. Also corn mixed with oats and sometimess wheat. I get day old bread and they get that 2-3 X a week and vegie leftovers.

Anyone feed whole sunflower seeds? My mom gets them by the 50 lb bag and always offers some of them to me. Never was sure about them tho.
 

lighthawk

Lovin' The Homestead
Joined
Jan 10, 2010
Messages
155
Reaction score
1
Points
68
Location
Gobles Michigan
Started with 6 barred rock pullets. Lost three this summer. One got into some transmission fluid. Two fell prey to a hawk. I used to let them free range but after the hawk the remaining 3 have been in security lockdown.
My coop...

45336_dsc00081.jpg


I built it to accomodate 8 birds but decided on 6. Will probably get some new chicks this year as my girls turn 3 years old next May.
 

the funny farm6

Super Self-Sufficient
Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
1,425
Reaction score
136
Points
222
Location
Iowa
Wow I love it! Kinda glad I can't post pics! My coop is more, shall we say shabby? Makes me want to remodle for my girls.
 

lighthawk

Lovin' The Homestead
Joined
Jan 10, 2010
Messages
155
Reaction score
1
Points
68
Location
Gobles Michigan
the funny farm6 said:
Anyone feed whole sunflower seeds? My mom gets them by the 50 lb bag and always offers some of them to me. Never was sure about them tho.
Thanks.
Whenever I fill the feeders I fill a 3lb. coffee can 1/2 with oyster shell grit and 1/2 sunflower seed and throw it straight out on the ground for scratch. Black oil sunflower seed is 14% protien so I use it to supplement their diet. I buy it in 25lb. bags it would take forever to use 50lbs.
I also supplement in winter with a head of cabbage every now and again and a suet block. :)
 

Beekissed

Mountain Sage
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
12,774
Reaction score
3,934
Points
437
Location
Mountains of WV
I feed whole BOSS when I feed it. They are my chicken's favorite whole grain but I limit them in my whole grain mix. I like to add them as a good source of selenium and protein.
 

the funny farm6

Super Self-Sufficient
Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
1,425
Reaction score
136
Points
222
Location
Iowa
Ok, thanks! Wasn't sure becouse of the shells. Black oil is what she gets. I will add that to their grain mix.
 

Latest posts

Top