New to Chickens (no experience)

[VictoriaTexas]

No, you're not. But their brand name is sure deceiving! Always include "layer mix" when you state what you are feeding.

However, I have never liked the practice of feeding layer feed. There are many times during a pullet/hens life where she does not need the extra calcium included in layer feed. And it is challenging to say the least to find one that offers more than the bare minimum of 16% protein.

I have always fed 18-20% protein "all flock" type feed to my flock and just keep 2 containers of oyster shell on the side for free choice feeding. It works quite well. That way when the hens are broody or taking a break from egg production during the winter, their kidneys do not have to work overtime to process all the excess calcium included in the layer feed.

I also provide extra meat protein during the annual molt.

I have enough garden space to grown 3500 ears flint or sorghum, peas & beans . . .

the meat scraps is challenge Ive thought over

 

[VictoriaTexas]

That is my most concerning element.
opossums !

I dont think my 8 yr old declawed feline would try her luck inside a area with birds twice her size but once ?

I want to get these water/feeder come Spring. See if I can keep them alive until then before I spend that kind of change.

https://coopworxusa.com/collections/all

 

[VictoriaTexas]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC. I'm not awake enough to give advice just yet. I will say, that to protect your flock from predators, you'll need to make sure there are no openings bigger than a quarter (to keep out smaller predators) and that your fencing is sturdy enough to keep out large predators.

CritterFence.com

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

So glad you decided to join us. Best wishes with all your plans!

 

[ChickenAng]

This is all great information on feed, i am fairly new to raising chickens, i give mine meal worms and scratch as treats, but they are free ranged, so i would appreciate any information on free range chickens feed, i also give mine protein pellets, but they only eat it when first coming out of coop in am, then they fly out and seem to prefer free ranging

 

[VictoriaTexas]

I don't feed scratch except maybe a little in winter cause it helps warm them apparently, otherwise I feed all flock 20% protein with oyster shell on the side for calcium. My birds perform better than my neighbors who uses layer feed and the chickens at my work which get all flock with scratch. This is just my personal experience but I think a lot of others do what I do

I don't feed scratch except maybe a little in winter cause it helps warm them apparently, otherwise I feed all flock 20% protein with oyster shell on the side for calcium. My birds perform better than my neighbors who uses layer feed and the chickens at my work which get all flock with scratch. This is just my personal experience but I think a lot of others do what I do too

I don't feed scratch except maybe a little in winter cause it helps warm them apparently, otherwise I feed all flock 20% protein with oyster shell on the side for calcium. My birds perform better than my neighbors who uses layer feed and the chickens at my work which get all flock with scratch. This is just my personal experience but I think a lot of others do what I do too.

I think I get what y'all are implying about the higher protien & oyster shell on the side to establish a means that I can develop a better healthier diet

 

[Jenbirdee]

 

[VictoriaTexas]

Thanksgiving weekend 2024 I am due to receive -
(inside the City limits)

3 laying buff orpington
1 laying French black copper maran
1 white Frizzle layer
1 brahma layer
2 Rhode island red layer

I dont have my coop ready, plan on using the 10'×12' back room of my shop until Spring. I have a big sack of Thomas Moore Scratch n More, & a smaller sack Thomas Moore Premium scratch. A small 10oz soldier fly, & a couple bales of fine pine shaving. 2 10' 2" wooden closet rods to make roosting bars. No feeders & waterer, or nesting boxes yet. The hens are 8mo old started laying 3 weeks ago when I bought them. No chicken door, & the room has loose exterior plywood in several walls. My garden that butts up to the back room is 50'×100', I have about 18 t-posts, 3 rolls 6' chainlink, 50'×50' cheap (temu) 2" bird netting & a couple of green 30% shade cloth 20'×50' ea. Should I use the chainlink for chunnels over 2-3/8 oilfield, I have 40 joints I also just had a couple round bales hay delivered last week

eTc


What next ?
(robin)


Thank you

I also have the French black copper marans 6 chicks coming with the 8 hens Thanksgiving weekend From what I understand them being just shy 3 mo old I will keep the chicks separated before I introduce at 6 mo & that the chicks with require starter feed until they begin to lay.

Back of shop total area is 10'× 16'
(dont want a coop that close to me & my mantoys so come Spring they are getting a stand-alone coop center garden 5' from the back fence

 

[VictoriaTexas]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC. I'm not awake enough to give advice just yet. I will say, that to protect your flock from predators, you'll need to make sure there are no openings bigger than a quarter (to keep out smaller predators) and that your fencing is sturdy enough to keep out large predators.

A full wired enclosed run is ideal.
I think I am going with a small 10'×10' run on both ends of the split coop in the center with chunnels creating the majority of garden freedom & expansions on the 1/2 acre

 

[VictoriaTexas]

I also have the French black copper marans 6 chicks coming with the 8 hens Thanksgiving weekend From what I understand them being just shy 3 mo old I will keep the chicks separated before I introduce at 6 mo & that the chicks with require starter feed until they begin to lay.

Back of shop total area is 10'× 16'
(dont want a coop that close to me & my mantoys so come Spring they are getting a stand-alone coop center garden 5' from the back fence

How would you run the say 16 birds & the turkey poults I would like 6 come Spring (keeping the backroom of the shop for receiving poults)