Chickens Update Part II
I said I had some thoughts on chicken food, so here it is...
I think the ultimate chicken-keeping plan is one where you can free-range your chickens and/or grow your own food, or at least a large part of their food. I don't have that all figured out, yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list. For one thing, I know that they really like food scraps - especially greens and veggies. So that's easy enough. Also, you can give them crushed eggshells. No, it's not bad for them. Just be sure to crush them so they don't take to pecking eggs once they start laying. Crushed eggshells can be a good source of grit for them. They like sunflower sees. I'd like to plant a whole patch of them next year and save the seeds for winter feed. I'm hoping that between food scraps, seeds, and eggshells, I can get their store-bought feed down to a minimum, which is essential for those who want to keep costs down. Otherwise those "free"eggs add up quickly!!
Here's a great idea for a chicken tractor. It's inexpensive, lightweight, and has nesting boxes. Two modifications we'll make: we'll place a large board on top to provide shade (chickens need shade) and we'll put wire on the bottom, too, just for a little added protection. This would be a great starter coop for the warmer months!
I think the ultimate chicken-keeping plan is one where you can free-range your chickens and/or grow your own food, or at least a large part of their food. I don't have that all figured out, yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list. For one thing, I know that they really like food scraps - especially greens and veggies. So that's easy enough. Also, you can give them crushed eggshells. No, it's not bad for them. Just be sure to crush them so they don't take to pecking eggs once they start laying. Crushed eggshells can be a good source of grit for them. They like sunflower sees. I'd like to plant a whole patch of them next year and save the seeds for winter feed. I'm hoping that between food scraps, seeds, and eggshells, I can get their store-bought feed down to a minimum, which is essential for those who want to keep costs down. Otherwise those "free"eggs add up quickly!!
Here's a great idea for a chicken tractor. It's inexpensive, lightweight, and has nesting boxes. Two modifications we'll make: we'll place a large board on top to provide shade (chickens need shade) and we'll put wire on the bottom, too, just for a little added protection. This would be a great starter coop for the warmer months!
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