feed advice

I’m trying out raising quail for the first time and I’ve heard that they are extremely messy, is there a way to fix this or do I just have to top it up ever few hours?

I am new to chickens, I have a flock of 8 Orpingtons (2 x full size pullets, 1 x bantam cockerel, the rest are all bantam POL hens and younger pullets). I’ve done some research on the nutritional values of the feed I need to be giving my flock. Members on this forum prefer protein levels of...

Hi all! My name is Stefney, I’ve recently acquired chickens for the first time. I live in South Africa, in the suburbs of Pretoria. I have 6 chickens at the moment: all of them are Orpingtons (2 x full size hens, 3 x bantam hens, 1 x bantam rooster). Please give me all of your best advice for...

So we somehow ended up with 90 chickens. I’m curious what the most cost effective feed options are? Or anything budget friendly but still great for the chickens? I would love to grow our own if it’s more cost effective! But what plants/seeds would they need for a healthy nutrition? Ages range...

I am currently integrating my 13 week olds in with my two-year old hens. While the two groups have their own coops, when they are free ranging during the daytime the little girls seem to have a fascination with getting into the big girl feed in the big girl run, which is a layer feed of course...

Are vitamins or a higher protein content more important in feed? I am comparing two pellets. Also are the vitamin levels in the lower feed too high for peafowl? One feed is for meatbirds: 22 percent protein, 1.2 lysine, 0.5 methionine, 3.5 fat, 4 fiber, 0.75 calcium, 1.25 max calcium, 0.6...

(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens? - Hi, we are Rudolf and Jowanita De Villiers from South Africa. We have been raising and attempt to breed show quality Rhode Island Red and Japanese Bantam chickens. We have been busy for less than a year now, also one of the reasons...

I have a pullet that's 2 months old. She's the only one of the very small clutch of eggs my bantam cochin was sitting on that hatched. She's also the only chick I've had raised by a hen. And she tries to eat everything. She eats pieces of bedding and her own feathers. If you try to stop her...

Hello, I plan on raising some meat birds and I don't know if I could afford to buy another type of feed. I am already buying Layer Feed, Scratch Feed, and Chick Feed. I am wondering what I could feed meat birds instead of buying broiler feed? Are there more natural alternatives? Do meat...

Hello! I’ve been having trouble with this hen who doesn’t empty her crop entirely by morning. It’s been about a week, I think, since it was emptied completely. It isn’t impacted, and her poops are normal, considering. But she just has junk in her crop that won’t seem to get out. Whenever I...

I started feeding Poultry Perfect by Countryside and my chickens are loving it! Their production has improved and the yolks have such a great color! I’m amazed the difference! Is anyone else feeding this???

I am copying and pasting this post I made in the raising baby chicks forum because I thought this might be a better place for it. Mods can let me know if this isn't allowed, I'm new here! -- Hello! My partner and I are raising a flock for the first time. We have 4 Buff Orpingtons and 3 silver...

Hello All! The kids were enjoying getting and eating local eggs from a nearby farm we decided we would see if we couldn't raise some birds and get our own eggs from the garden! So we have 5 hens now and I'm looking for some advice on feeding strategies. I have been told that layers pellets +...

Hi Everyone, out of my three eggs two hatched, one died by getting stuck in the egg and I had to assist the second one out. It was pretty weak so after 24 hours I have been giving it water from a dropper and some egg mixed with Luke warm water which helped and perked him up. My question is how...

We have a flock of 6 adult female ducks, and now have 6 more ducklings that are about a month old. Socially we’ve gotten it all figured out, introducing them slowly and dividing their house so the littles sleep separately (under a heat lamp) at night. I think they’re about ready to fully...

Hello!!! I’m helping raise backyard chickens and I’m starting to incorporate some supplements. The one that I was recommended was Poul-Vite which I have a question about. How many times say per week/month should I supply my chickens with it? I don’t want to give them too much vitamins but I also...

I am expecting day old chicks and ducklings in about 2 weeks. I am a first time flocker, and am doing all I can to be prepared and to ensure safe, happy and healthy birds. One thing I have been coming across lately is the idea of fermenting the food. I get the jist of it, sure. I do have some...

Does anyone have any idea what food would be best to feed hens to extend their life? I don't care as much about getting eggs as I do for them simply being pets. I of course want them to be healthy, however I learned about Matilda the chicken that lived to be 16 years old, and based on all the...

New to the hobby, was wondering what type of Feed or additional fruits and vegetables people have added to their Quail flock before processing Males? Does the diet effect the flavor? Appreciate all replies in advance!