I'm new to chickens, but I've kept reptiles for years. Thank you so much for your respect and appreciation of this little snake and frog. Reptiles, especially snakes, are so demonized by people for no reason. They need to exist just the same as every other animal. Loved the video, thank you for the information!
I keep watching for advice on how to feed my chickens better, but I think I am doing just fine. I give them all this PLUS! They get nutritional yeast, fresh chopped organic greens, soaked oat groats and aramanth, whole black oil sunflower, sesames, chia and flax seeds. All left over cooked rice mixed with some fish oil. Then I make sure to give every single bird a 'meatball' size of protein everyday. They love raw meat, dried larve, fish guts, and even some cat kibble as a snack. Then the luckiest lil chickies get treats of my salads and all the left over chopped veggies. Plus all the foraging they can do...my birds are healthy af!
Hey- PLEASE respond- I'll get the "Notice" - How about Alfalfa Pellets ? I have some left over from my Gardening and was wondering ... as the pellets are represented as an excellent soorce of "green" to add to your composting and as a deep-soil supplement for supplementing Nitrogen depletion evening out the need for regular fertilizing, which you're still supposed to do. I'm experimenting with it THIS season, and am eager to share results in return ... :=)) ! Still, I have quite a bit left over from my experiment and was wondering if its safe to give my chickens ? I've captured YOUR comment , tho, and plan to use YOUR advice for the other adds to what we're hoping to be a RICH-feed-diet for our girls ! THANKS and LOOKING forward to (hoping for ?) your reply ! ALL the VERY _BEST_ to YOU and _YOURS_ from Texas ! -Chuck .
Now we understand why th granite grit had my daughter’s room entirely too dusty. Now they are in the chicken coop outside ten huddled together at seven weeks old. We installed a thermostat with humidifier to monitor the atmosphere in their new dwelling. Great disclaimer
Very nicely constructed video, good info too. I like the addition about how to see the cues of how healthy the ecosystem is around your farm too. Not all snakes are pests imo, as long as they are small and no threat to me or mine. Free ranging chickens likely decimate small snakes in the area as well as all the bugs and rodents they can catch.
We switched to "fermenting" our chickens feed years ago and never looked back, I'm not 100% sure that it is actually fermentation that is occuring but the chickens, ducks, and turkeys all love it and with it being a wet feed it's easy to add any additional supplements we want to include by either just tossing them into the batch or sprinkling it in with the food when we pour it into their troughs and bowls.
Yes, I've heard of people going the extra yard and doing that. However, if your birds are already in supreme health and have access to quality forage, I don't consider that worth the effort.
@@FrederickDunn ours are pasture kept so they have plenty of forage but my wife insists on the fermented feed and being an intelligent man I don't argue.
Great video and the only one I've felt the need to comment on, I will be new to chickens and this video was extremely easy to follow and explained clearly. An easy subscribe to make thanks again. 👌🏻
Subscribed.. I work in a feed mill mostly beef feed but make chicken on occasion crumble/pellet.. Looking into starting a chicken operation of my own for the family..Great info!
+Ty Madd Thanks for the comment Ty, working in the feed mill, you'll have access to really good pricing! I enjoy talking with the "mix-master" at our local feed co-op. I am thinking of actually having a small feed silo and just buy in Blue Seal feeds by the ton. Cheaper that way. At your mill, how much is saved when someone buys a 2,000lb load of feed compared to the 50# bags? Thank you for subscribing, I hope you have great success with your chickens!
Thanks much for this and really appreciate the calm caring energy you embody. Love that you are hand-feeding your chickens! I question your use of cracked corn as it does not have any nutritional value whatsoever (not to mention all the manipulation of corn). I have been feeding my girls whole oats and black oil sunflower seeds that I soak in water with a bit of vinegar in it for a couple of days, so the grain is activated (and you get at least a third again more feed when the water is absorbed). I also feed organic crumble (it is my understanding they use clay to make the pellets, so I cant see buying dirt when my 5 chickies free range on 1/3 acre). Wonder if I am missing something about the pellets..... And because its warm here (HI) a lot they love juicy papaya and ripe bananas when its hot out.
Hi Rosie, remember that cracked corn, or any corn is FAT, just candy for the chickens which adds calories during winter. Remember that my birds are free rangers, which means that the processed feed is the smallest part of their diet. I'm glad you are enjoying your birds in Hawaii :) adding moisture to your feed is in my opinion, an unnecessary step as the chickens infuse moisture during digestion and they drink more or less to compensate. The Pellets are bound so that the chickens can't dissect the feed and as I mention, pellets are tidy and are better than tossing handfuls of scratch or crumbles on the lawn for the birds to pick around for. The purpose of the video is to show commonly available feeds and additives so that people understand what they do. Thank you for your wonderful comment, sounds like your birds have a great life and wonderful care taker!
Frederick Dunn not fat but carbohydrate. FYI the clay in the above persons comment is useful in a few ways. Pellet binder makes pellet harder. Aids in clearing intestional parisites ie coccidia.
Rosie Mroczynski corn is typically used in a 50 to 60 percent of a complete diet. Corn is high energy and about 10 percent protein. Relatively low fat. If it had no nutritional value why is it used as fifty to sixty percent of most poultry diets. Ten billion chickens can't be wrong.
Just make sure the diatomaceous earth is FOOD GRADE. There’s DE for pools which contains 60-70% crystalline silica (very harmful) compared to food grade which is less than 1%. This is a very important detail left out-please make sure you get the right stuff.
Thank you Fredrick! It’s good you have that important information below for those that missed it in the video (like me!)- great video - I really like that you show ingredients in your feed up close.
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Thanks for all your help by providing these important information for growing chicken. I wonder if you are ready to take questions from me relatating to your share knowledge
I've been raising chickens for decades and by accident I found the best feed for getting lots of eggs although cost wise it's not practical. I was down at the local hardware store and they had a pallet of 20lb bags of wild bird seed. At a quarter per bag I bought the entire pallet load of feed. While I was feeding it to the chickens I was averaging one egg per chicken per day. That's a higher percentage than I get from feeding laying pellets. I assume the variety of seeds supplied better nutrients than the laying pellets.
I know this is an old comment. But feeding bird seed to your chickens would not be a complete ration and can result in sick birds in the long run. BUT, if they also have access to healthy forage with plenty of insect proteins and calcium from plants you're fine. Egg-producing chickens cannot thrive on bird seed alone. Here's why: Nutrient Imbalance: Birdseed mixes are formulated for wild birds, which have different dietary needs compared to chickens bred for consistent egg production. Birdseed is typically high in fat and low in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. These deficiencies can lead to various health problems in chickens, including: Reduced egg production Thin or weak eggshells Developmental issues in chicks Malnutrition and overall health decline Breeding for Eggs: Modern domesticated chickens are genetically selected for high egg production, requiring a specific nutritional profile to support this demanding process. Birdseed simply doesn't provide the necessary building blocks for healthy egg formation. Therefore, while offering birdseed as an occasional treat is acceptable, it should never be the sole source of nutrition for egg-laying chickens. It's crucial to provide them with a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs, such as layer feed, to ensure optimal health and egg production.
Thanks for the video sir,please can i feed my breeders with grains without salt and minerals.what are the ingredients i need because their production has really dropped,and here in Nigeria we are not getting good commercial quality feed
Hi Sandra, as long as there is nothing in it but DE, with no pesticides added, it's the same for chickens, please click the link in the video description to see what grade of DE I use. It has no chemical properties which kill fleas and ticks, many dog or cat dusting products also include a low-level pesticide.
@@FrederickDunn ok ty! I went to a feed store and saw the bag for chickens but they sold me the one for dogs. Simply bc it was a bit cheaper. I didn't want to use it until i was sure. I will check the bag for ingredients. I would ask the staff but i wasn't able to go back before i asked here. I appreciate the great info!
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
@@chuckintexas calm down. Geez! It's just a convo. I can do without your condescending tone. I know I can Google all sorts of stuff. Just asking for input. But I don't want your rude input. So stop with your ridiculous posts. Go away.
I know someone who puts rabbit food in a coffee grinder to make it smaller and feeds it to her chicks as a supplement. She said her mother used to do the same thing. I'd never heard of that before. Is that really ok to do?
Hi Annie, completely different diet requirements, but it wouldn't hurt the chicks, just wouldn't provide what they need, particularly in the protein department, chickens are omnivorous while rabbits are herbivores.
If the mouth is open and they are panting, partnered with any clicking noises could be a serious issue. I suggest that you consult a good book like the chicken health handbook for a more detailed list of symptoms and possible causes.
Hi Alan, you can have a bin of grit available all the time free-choice, they only take what they need so no need to ration that. When they have access to open range they will just find pebbles on their own and it's not necessary to provide more. You can just keep grit available.
fred, I am switching from a crumble to choice feeding. One feeder of grain, (oats in the summer and whole corn in the winter) One feeder of oyster shells and one feeder with nutrients or supplements. What should i feed as a nutrient or supplement. cheers!
IF they also have access to free range/forage, they may be ok... whole corn is a good energy source, but poor nutrient... if you separate everything, your birds won't take what they need, rather like kids in a candy shop, they will avoid the stuff that's good for them. The oyster shells are a good idea.. I wish you luck with your custom mixing...
+Isaac owusu Kusi Mash can clump and also generate dust, often falling through the floor cracks. I personally never use mash... BUT, whatever works for your birds is something each of us works out. Pellets never get lost and the birds ingest the complete ration... the overall health and vitality of the birds is the ultimate testimony of course. My birds free range, so the rations provided are maybe 50-30% of what they consume.
To cut costs I started mixing my own feed. My mix is 1 part soybean meal, 1 part corn and 2 parts Triticale. By my calculations, that puts me at around 20 protein, which is higher then the pre mix I was feeding them before and is costing me about half. We also feed them greens, mostly grass and other weeds, as well as fruits and veggie leftovers from the house. Our chicks are around 9 weeks old. The last time I raised chickens for meat and laying I was a kid, I am excited to be raising them again with my children. What do you think of my feed mix?
If they have access to good natural forage, you will do just fine the way you are describing. Please watch your trace elements, very important in the long run. Blue Seal feeds, many years ago, left out salt from their feed and the results were terrible. Foraging chickens are eating bugs along with greens and those are very rich in nutrients not found in greens. As your chicks grow older, they can do fine on 16% protein, I start chicks on 21% protein... if you watch baby chicks on range, they do nab bits and pieces of greens, but hunt and eat tiny bugs more than anything else. Feed combinations become more critical for birds that are confined to smaller runs or inside coops in winter. Starting the birds is the most critical dietary time frame. I think your birds have a great owner! :)
Frederick Dunn At some point we will open the coop and let them roam around during the day, right now we have a ton of grass hoppers they could eat. But I worry they may not go back inside the coop at night, I have a theory it may be best to open a door in the run, that way they could enter the coop through the same day they have been using when going into the house for the night, rather then opening the main door into the house itself. That may help ensure they will find their way back into the house, do you think there is anything to that? Is there a safe age to allow them out to roam freely were I can be confident they will go back into the house at night? Also, thank you for the nice compliment and info :)
Fred Carter Normally, at six weeks of age they are more than able to return to the coop they live in completely on their own. They will have established a pecking order and will follow one another out and back in generally before sunset. Keep their feed and water inside the coop exclusively and this will encourage them to go in and out throughout the day.
We have been opening the door to allow them to graze the last few days, for the most part they are going back in the house before dark, we have had to round a few up, but I hope before long all of them will make their way back in on their own. On the 2nd day we noticed our count dropped from 50 to 49. We searched all over but could not find the one missing. I didn't find any evidence of an attack but I am thinking one of our cats may have got one. Either that or it wondered off in the brush and got lost. However, they have all stayed within 30 feet of their house up to this point, so my money would be on the cat.
We have frogs in our creek that have something on them that causes dogs and cats to drool and get sick. Are they going to make MY chickens sick, or are they immune?
Hey Fred I forget what age to change the chicks to the grower/finisher? What do I feed the keets when they get about the age the chicks would be starting on the grower/finisher? Gail
Hiya Gail! Ok... change from starter to grower finisher at 6 weeks. As for keets, they should be on game bird rations... for that, just follow instructions on the preparation you get. :) keets need more protein than chickens...
I think grit for the parakeets would be the same and have the same function. Would be suitable for chick grit, but not much value for adult chickens. They swallow 1/4 inch sized pebbles.
I under stand that you don't feed oyster shell to young non egg laying chickens. What if you have a mixed flock containing older hens that no longer lay. Will the OS harm them?
That's a great question and the answer is "no" older hens are not harmed by ingesting oyster shells :) Roosters are also just fine once they are mature. If provided free choice, you'll notice that only the birds that need the calcium boost will actually eat them.
OK, so what if mama chickens takes them to food. Is she going to keep them away from OS? I will have all ages of chickens as mama is sitting on some eggs right now..appreciate your replies.
Oyster shells offered free choice is fine.. they won't eat it unless they need it. I brought it up because layer rations are prepared with the extra calcium and that's not good for premature/non-laying chickens.
hello,just want some advice,actually i have leghorn breed,and everyday she lay an eggs.the gred of the egg are b and c,small egg.sometime i get a gred a,big size.and how i want to keep the consistensy to get a gred a of eggs.that my question.tq
Egg Laying, including egg size, color and shape is hereditary. As your hen gets older the eggs will be somewhat smaller and less frequent. Breed from your hens that lay the egg size, shape and egg shell you desire and don't breed from inconsistent layers. I'm sorry, that's the best information I can offer :)
Is it better to give them the feed wet or dry? I keep seeing comments about some people ... I think they meant they were fermenting it? But I don't know if that's right.
Hi Conni, kitten chow for instance, boosts the poultry health that's particularly helpful when breeding for eggs you plan to hatch. I'm sure the cat food, mixed with whatever else they are getting won't be harmful to the chickens :) diversity of diet is the key :)
When you fill a pellet feeder, just sprinkle the DE on top like powdered sugar. The vibration from chickens feeding will cause it to filter down in and you're good to go, there isn't a specific % formula.
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Hi Chris Turner, I say thank people like YOU for the tax dollars that kept people like me well supplied, trained up and safe while serving! Much appreciated!
Hey brother, here in the P.I. raising some austrolorps, PBR's, White Leghorns, Cobbs and trying to breed a new type of chicken for local consumption. BZ, bro. V/R Ret AMC(AW) V
I’m a retired Chief 22 years here. I have 55 chickens (troops) and am teaching my son how to raise them also. Thanks for the tip about oyster shells to young ones. Didn’t know that😳 this old dog can learn.
And I have to keep you all my chickens going to be with me after the storm and there's raining and there's no way to get across the Bayou on all this top thing but Uncle my chicken so follow me just like God tell me to fall in
We've had our chickens for two months now . Ten chickens make ten eggs a day, at times eleven . Where can I find diatomaceous earth ? They don't sell any in our local tractor supply store
Hi Ally, I'm so glad you are enjoying your chickens and thank you for that question as I will also put a link in the video description for others. If you are an Amazon Prime member, this is a great source for DE and it lasts literally for years! Wishing you all the best with your chickens ("> www.amazon.com/Diatomaceous-Earth-Food-Grade-10/dp/B00025H2PY/ref=sr_1_3/140-8117140-2659543?ie=UTF8&qid=1499355776&sr=8-3&keywords=food+grade+diatomaceous-earth
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Help! I need advice. Somebody gave me 4 baby chicks. I think they're around 3 months old. I've never kept chickens before so I don't know how they should behave but I'm beginning to wonder if they're healthy. They won't touch any food other than the commercial crumbles - they won't touch lettuce, kale, beet tops, water melon, bread, berries, nothing. I'm keeping them in a disused dog kennel until I rig up a coop and they won't leave it. I have an acre of lawn for them to range but they refuse to leave the kennel. I rigged up a plank for them to roost but they won't roost. Maybe they're too young? Does this sound like normal behavior?
That does not sound at all like "normal" chicken behavior and at 3 months? They are no longer chicks and should be behaving in every way like adult chickens. You haven't mentioned what breed they are? You may have some Cornish Cross on your hands... those are meat birds and (if that's what you have) they are not "designed/modified" not to live a normal chicken life. Please tell me more about the breed you have, that will answer lots of questions. But the description of not ranging, not perching and disinterest in food varieties makes me think they are meat birds that have been genetically modified to just sit around getting fat.
Adult roosters circa 5 months of age can handle the calcium found in prepared rations... when it comes to oyster shell fragments offered free choice, you don't generally see roosters eating the oyster shell. It is not damaging to any adult chicken. It's during the early and middle stages that using a laying ration is a potential problem. Birds on free range also balance out their own diet during the growing season.
I think my chickens are spoiled. They don't like corn. They like meal worms (bottomless pits!), oats, millet, black sunflower seeds. $$$$ (No soy cuz my body shuts down if I eat anything with soy.) They run on 1/2 acre 3-4 hrs a day and eat lots of St. Augustine grass I give them tuna or sardines 2x wk. Is this balanced enough? The shells seem thin, but....big orange yolks but whites are kinda thin. Getting 7 eggs daily on avg from 9 Rhode Islands. Oh...no rooster. 😕
Quail need game-bird feed, it's different from chick starter. Most feed companies offer it through your feed store. If you can't find it, you can generally go into any pet store and special order it in. amzn.to/2Th8m6T it's also sold on Amazon. I don't recommend trying to compose your own recipe as it's difficult to match all the nutrients and supplements they need to get off to a healthy start.
How much DE should I put in my food. I just bought a 28lb bag of Starter/Grower, how much DE should I put in it????Also, what if I put too much DE in the food, should I ditch the food. Would it harm or kill my chickens???
+Tara Duke There is no specific quantity, think of it as putting sugar on a donut :) you can just put it ON the food, as the birds eat, DE will naturally sift down into the pellets or crumbles.
@@FrederickDunn - *Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Hi so I own two 3 month old chickens and I feed them grit for 1 month then ran out . So I went to the pet store to ask what to feed my chicks and they gave me grounded kernels so I feed them with that is that a good diet . I sometimes once in a while give them a little bit of oats . It's my first time owning chickens so I am kinda lost :( help !
A complete ration of starter crumbles should be fine... just make sure that the feed you are buying is for chickens and has the protein necessary for developing chicks. Generally you feed a starter ration for the first six weeks and then change to a grower finisher until they produce their first egg and then go to a laying ration. You can view my video titled How to raise chickens... in that video, I show you every stage of growth and development... your post was identified as spam, that's why I didn't see it until now.
hello sir i have 2 aseel cocks both are healthy but when i added 2 hens for them after days they bagan mating and become weak what i giving them now is only cracked corn please advice what to give waiting for your reply
Cracked corn is just like eating candy all the time.... nutritionally unimportant for chickens. They require a complete ration with trace elements. Breeding birds need more protein than others, sometimes you can boost the protein levels at least a month before breeding for hatching eggs, you may supplement with kitten chow. Corn is just a starch/filler that can be a source of energy, but is nutritionally profoundly deficient.
What I want to know and I know God's going to tell me is if I don't have none of the stuff available me and my chickens we are running down the road that what can I feed them to keep them alive an emergency
Chick starter feed is specifically formulated to provide the essential nutrients that chicks need during their crucial first 6-8 weeks of life. Here's a breakdown of the preferred dietary composition: Protein (18-22%): This is the most critical nutrient for chicks, supporting strong muscle and feather development. Common protein sources include corn, soybean meal, and fishmeal. Carbohydrates (50-60%): Chicks rely on carbohydrates for energy, with corn, wheat, and barley being common sources in chick starter feed. Fats (5-10%): Fats provide energy and aid vitamin absorption. Vegetable oils and animal fat are typical sources in the feed. Fiber (3-5%): Fiber is crucial for chick digestion, regulating their digestive system and promoting satiety. Wheat bran and oat hulls are common fiber sources. Vitamins and Minerals: Chicks require a variety of vitamins and minerals for overall health, supporting growth, development, and immune function. Chick starter feed is typically fortified with these essential nutrients.
+Isaac owusu Kusi At that age and stage of development, they should be on a starter "chick" complete ration... I do not personally recommend trying to make your own rations for them and suggest going to a feed store and reading the labels. I also suggest going with crumbles rather than mash... good luck! :)
+Frederick Dunn My 10 broilers now on their week #3 with crumble starter feeds on a 24/7 basis. My queries are: 1. When do i need to change from starter to grower? Crumble or pellet grower? 2. Is it necessary for a 24/7 food ration? Until what broiler age? Need your recommendations and advice. THANK YOU.
Are you raising broilers for meat harvest? Are they the type that gets slaughtered at six weeks of age? If that is what you are rearing, I have to admit that I have no experience with those highly modified breeds. Your best resource for feed information will be the seller of your birds. The chick starter, grower finisher and layer rations are for chickens that live long normal lives and have not been genetically modified to get fat quick... broilers are generally "designed" to put on maximum flesh with minimum feed, with some conversion rates of 2 lbs of feet to 1 lb of flesh on the chicken... I'm just going to guess that you remain on starter/grower ration and yes, feed them 24/7... they have very short lives.
+Frederick Dunn My 10 broiler chickens are raised just for meat. In my mind, im going to feed them crumble starter until 4 weeks of age, and change to crumble grower until slaughter day (maybe 8 weeks old). Can you please advice me on this? 24/7 food ration really that necessary (need to cost-cut my budget eh)? Need your piece of advice on this. My first time to raise chickens... Thank you and God bless.
+Isaac owusu Kusi Yes... the reason is that grit is for digestion and egg shells are for calcium fortification... those are two completely different functions. All grit does is help work as a grinder in the gizzard, it does not contribute to nutrition on its own.
+Frederick Dunn Im thinking to feed my 8 cornish birds with crumble grower mixed with yellow corn grits on their week 5 up to butcher day week 8, for cost-cutting purposes. In financial constraint eh! Could this be possible and wont harm them? Kindly advice. Thank you.
Just remember that corn in all its forms (cracked, whole, powder) is a FAT PRODUCER... and not so much nutritious, think of it as fast food for birds. The birds you are describing aren't going to be living very long, so I think your goal is just to put weight on them without regard to longevity. You should make friends with someone at a grocery store, they throw out huge amounts of fresh produce once it begins to wilt, you may be able to cut feed cost by claiming that waste and feeding it to your birds. Just remember CORN = CANDY and will fatten the birds up.
Hello! My chickens are not eating the crumble in any form so I figured that i would switch to pellets which I know they like.However they are not eating the cracked corn which is a concern, they haven;t even tried it. How could i get them to try it?
Hi Theo, how old are your chickens? If they are of laying age, then pellets are fine. I've never had a chicken that wouldn't eat crumbles, that's very strange. Not eating cracked corn is fine as it's just a fattener, but again, I've never had a chicken not take cracked corn when it's offered as it's like candy to them. Is there any chance your chickens aren't healthy?
Frederick Dunn No they are healthy, very energetic and happy! They are at laying age and when the eat the crumble they only eat 3 bits and leave everything else.
If there's an emergency a tornado or something I want to know that I can give my chickens, and be able to feed them in any type of emergency if I have to cook my chicken to follow me they love me but I'll just want to make sure that if we don't have all this technology available can I keep my chickens alive oh, and I know God give you the ability
On free range, that's a common site, sometimes they find a nest of mice and it's a feeding frenzy with chickens chasing each other around with mice in their beaks. The soccer game lasts longer with larger mice as they grab it away from one another for quite a while. Baby snakes also have almost no chance... Guinea fowl also hunt small mammals. Thanks for sharing Michelle!
@@goldwolf0606 There are still birds that kill people simply for being in their territory. The Cassowary rushes up and eviscerates human invaders and as it's a jungle bird, you often don't have much warning. I've hatched and raised Emu and they are gentle giants. 6 feet tall, 120 lbs and they really enjoy being around people :)
@SHADOW Master I prefer emu over ostrich as they are just easier to manage and don't get so heavy. There is an Ostrich farm near me and the owner had his leg broken by a large male. EMS couldn't get to him as the Ostrich continued to guard him and prevent access. I also can't afford an adequate fence system to contain Ostrich. :)
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid - it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* . Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* . It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads _DIRECTLY and inalterably_ to an *INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* . NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn _DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_* with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
That's a great comment, and I'll explain the confusion there. Some poeple are feeding DE to chickens to treat inernal parasites and that doesn't work. It does work as an anti-clumping agent and definitely works on external parasites in the nest material and on the outside of the chickens.
For those who want the complete video and information about every stage of development, please watch this: ruclips.net/video/msko6-fbLoE/видео.html
I keep watching for advice on how to feed my chickens better, but I think I am doing just fine thank for your video+
I'm new to chickens, but I've kept reptiles for years. Thank you so much for your respect and appreciation of this little snake and frog. Reptiles, especially snakes, are so demonized by people for no reason. They need to exist just the same as every other animal. Loved the video, thank you for the information!
Hi Siobhan, thank you! Herpetology was my first career path and I still love and appreciate herps when I find them :)
I keep watching for advice on how to feed my chickens better, but I think I am doing just fine. I give them all this PLUS! They get nutritional yeast, fresh chopped organic greens, soaked oat groats and aramanth, whole black oil sunflower, sesames, chia and flax seeds. All left over cooked rice mixed with some fish oil. Then I make sure to give every single bird a 'meatball' size of protein everyday. They love raw meat, dried larve, fish guts, and even some cat kibble as a snack. Then the luckiest lil chickies get treats of my salads and all the left over chopped veggies. Plus all the foraging they can do...my birds are healthy af!
The health of the bird tells the tale... glad they are doing well.
Hey- PLEASE respond- I'll get the "Notice" -
How about Alfalfa Pellets ?
I have some left over from my Gardening and was wondering ... as the pellets are represented as an excellent soorce of "green" to add to your composting and as a deep-soil supplement for supplementing Nitrogen depletion evening out the need for regular fertilizing, which you're still supposed to do.
I'm experimenting with it THIS season, and am eager to share results in return ... :=)) !
Still, I have quite a bit left over from my experiment and was wondering if its safe to give my chickens ?
I've captured YOUR comment , tho, and plan to use YOUR advice for the other adds to what we're hoping to be a RICH-feed-diet for our girls !
THANKS and LOOKING forward to (hoping for ?) your reply !
ALL the VERY _BEST_ to YOU and _YOURS_ from Texas !
-Chuck .
Are you getting many eggs
Do u have to soak your chia seeds first?
Good info thanks for sharing , Greetings from Wales UK .
Thank you so much! I'm glad you find this helpful :)
I don't ever have chickens but love these videos 🤗
Thanks!
Building a brand new chicken tractor and I plan on having prime chickens so excited to improve my chicken care
I hope it all works out well for you Dusti! :)
Thank you for sharing...we have ten baby chickens and great to know about the oyster shells too early ouch...👏👏👏👏
Now we understand why th granite grit had my daughter’s room entirely too dusty. Now they are in the chicken coop outside ten huddled together at seven weeks old. We installed a thermostat with humidifier to monitor the atmosphere in their new dwelling. Great disclaimer
Love from Nepal 🇳🇵💖
Very nicely constructed video, good info too. I like the addition about how to see the cues of how healthy the ecosystem is around your farm too. Not all snakes are pests imo, as long as they are small and no threat to me or mine. Free ranging chickens likely decimate small snakes in the area as well as all the bugs and rodents they can catch.
I must say that this video is absolutely correct. I have raised many chickens and if I knew nothing about a chicken's diet, I would now know! lol.
Thank you toy collector! Glad to have that validation :)
We switched to "fermenting" our chickens feed years ago and never looked back, I'm not 100% sure that it is actually fermentation that is occuring but the chickens, ducks, and turkeys all love it and with it being a wet feed it's easy to add any additional supplements we want to include by either just tossing them into the batch or sprinkling it in with the food when we pour it into their troughs and bowls.
Yes, I've heard of people going the extra yard and doing that. However, if your birds are already in supreme health and have access to quality forage, I don't consider that worth the effort.
@@FrederickDunn ours are pasture kept so they have plenty of forage but my wife insists on the fermented feed and being an intelligent man I don't argue.
@@Zenshu1 That is wise. The good news is that it doesn't hurt them.
Great video and the only one I've felt the need to comment on, I will be new to chickens and this video was extremely easy to follow and explained clearly. An easy subscribe to make thanks again. 👌🏻
Thanks Dan! So glad it was helpful :)
Wonderful superb great. Chicken feed
I showed my chicken the screen on 2:22
And she started pecking the screen lol
(Shes a white silky)
Shes a big baby 👶
I was watching this video with my chick who loves me he cept pecking the screen
😂😂😂for real?
Lol me too
Subscribed.. I work in a feed mill mostly beef feed but make chicken on occasion crumble/pellet.. Looking into starting a chicken operation of my own for the family..Great info!
+Ty Madd Thanks for the comment Ty, working in the feed mill, you'll have access to really good pricing! I enjoy talking with the "mix-master" at our local feed co-op. I am thinking of actually having a small feed silo and just buy in Blue Seal feeds by the ton. Cheaper that way. At your mill, how much is saved when someone buys a 2,000lb load of feed compared to the 50# bags? Thank you for subscribing, I hope you have great success with your chickens!
Very informative. Thanks!
You're very welcome, I'm happy that you got some good information out of it :)
Thank you
You're welcome :)
Thanks much for this and really appreciate the calm caring energy you embody. Love that you are hand-feeding your chickens!
I question your use of cracked corn as it does not have any nutritional value whatsoever (not to mention all the manipulation of corn).
I have been feeding my girls whole oats and black oil sunflower seeds that I soak in water with a bit of vinegar in it for a couple of days, so the grain is activated (and you get at least a third again more feed when the water is absorbed).
I also feed organic crumble (it is my understanding they use clay to make the pellets, so I cant see buying dirt when my 5 chickies free range on 1/3 acre). Wonder if I am missing something about the pellets.....
And because its warm here (HI) a lot they love juicy papaya and ripe bananas when its hot out.
Hi Rosie, remember that cracked corn, or any corn is FAT, just candy for the chickens which adds calories during winter. Remember that my birds are free rangers, which means that the processed feed is the smallest part of their diet.
I'm glad you are enjoying your birds in Hawaii :) adding moisture to your feed is in my opinion, an unnecessary step as the chickens infuse moisture during digestion and they drink more or less to compensate.
The Pellets are bound so that the chickens can't dissect the feed and as I mention, pellets are tidy and are better than tossing handfuls of scratch or crumbles on the lawn for the birds to pick around for.
The purpose of the video is to show commonly available feeds and additives so that people understand what they do.
Thank you for your wonderful comment, sounds like your birds have a great life and wonderful care taker!
Thanks for answering Fred! Guess we just have different ideas on what is best to feed our chickens!
Thanks Rosie
Frederick Dunn not fat but carbohydrate. FYI the clay in the above persons comment is useful in a few ways. Pellet binder makes pellet harder. Aids in clearing intestional parisites ie coccidia.
Rosie Mroczynski corn is typically used in a 50 to 60 percent of a complete diet. Corn is high energy and about 10 percent protein. Relatively low fat. If it had no nutritional value why is it used as fifty to sixty percent of most poultry diets. Ten billion chickens can't be wrong.
yes,good feed thank guy
Just make sure the diatomaceous earth is FOOD GRADE. There’s DE for pools which contains 60-70% crystalline silica (very harmful) compared to food grade which is less than 1%. This is a very important detail left out-please make sure you get the right stuff.
If you had taken a moment to read the description, you'd know that I already answered that. Thanks so much.
Thank you Fredrick! It’s good you have that important information below for those that missed it in the video (like me!)- great video - I really like that you show ingredients in your feed up close.
Thanks Deborah! always feel free to comment.. you never know when something has been overlooked! :)
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Thanks for all your help by providing these important information for growing chicken. I wonder if you are ready to take questions from me relatating to your share knowledge
Thanks Robert, I'm glad you appreciated it.
Good info
I've been raising chickens for decades and by accident I found the best feed for getting lots of eggs although cost wise it's not practical. I was down at the local hardware store and they had a pallet of 20lb bags of wild bird seed. At a quarter per bag I bought the entire pallet load of feed. While I was feeding it to the chickens I was averaging one egg per chicken per day. That's a higher percentage than I get from feeding laying pellets. I assume the variety of seeds supplied better nutrients than the laying pellets.
waooo nzuli Sana let do in Tanzania
I know this is an old comment. But feeding bird seed to your chickens would not be a complete ration and can result in sick birds in the long run. BUT, if they also have access to healthy forage with plenty of insect proteins and calcium from plants you're fine.
Egg-producing chickens cannot thrive on bird seed alone. Here's why:
Nutrient Imbalance: Birdseed mixes are formulated for wild birds, which have different dietary needs compared to chickens bred for consistent egg production. Birdseed is typically high in fat and low in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. These deficiencies can lead to various health problems in chickens, including:
Reduced egg production
Thin or weak eggshells
Developmental issues in chicks
Malnutrition and overall health decline
Breeding for Eggs: Modern domesticated chickens are genetically selected for high egg production, requiring a specific nutritional profile to support this demanding process. Birdseed simply doesn't provide the necessary building blocks for healthy egg formation.
Therefore, while offering birdseed as an occasional treat is acceptable, it should never be the sole source of nutrition for egg-laying chickens. It's crucial to provide them with a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs, such as layer feed, to ensure optimal health and egg production.
Today my favourite hen give an egg that's why I watched it full
Thanks Putin, very cool!
I was wondering how I could feed my brother, now I know!
Thanks for the video sir,please can i feed my breeders with grains without salt and minerals.what are the ingredients i need because their production has really dropped,and here in Nigeria we are not getting good commercial quality feed
They absolutely need the salts and minerals, they are critical.
Thank you sir,i will go for concentrate and mix with the feed
Thank you for your time
Absolutely, and thank you for watching as well as taking your valuable time to comment!
Cracked corn helps with weight gain?... definitely gonna eat more corn
It won't be putting muscle mass on if that's what you're thinking... stay lean and mean...
1:29 chickens are pecking my screen
Very informative!
Thank you Ricardo! :)
Is the D earth used for dogs as well for flea control? Is it the same exact ingredient for chickens?
Hi Sandra, as long as there is nothing in it but DE, with no pesticides added, it's the same for chickens, please click the link in the video description to see what grade of DE I use. It has no chemical properties which kill fleas and ticks, many dog or cat dusting products also include a low-level pesticide.
@@FrederickDunn ok ty! I went to a feed store and saw the bag for chickens but they sold me the one for dogs. Simply bc it was a bit cheaper. I didn't want to use it until i was sure.
I will check the bag for ingredients. I would ask the staff but i wasn't able to go back before i asked here.
I appreciate the great info!
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
@@chuckintexas calm down. Geez! It's just a convo. I can do without your condescending tone. I know I can Google all sorts of stuff. Just asking for input. But I don't want your rude input. So stop with your ridiculous posts. Go away.
I know someone who puts rabbit food in a coffee grinder to make it smaller and feeds it to her chicks as a supplement. She said her mother used to do the same thing. I'd never heard of that before. Is that really ok to do?
Hi Annie, completely different diet requirements, but it wouldn't hurt the chicks, just wouldn't provide what they need, particularly in the protein department, chickens are omnivorous while rabbits are herbivores.
The signs of short of breath and what could be the cause
If the mouth is open and they are panting, partnered with any clicking noises could be a serious issue. I suggest that you consult a good book like the chicken health handbook for a more detailed list of symptoms and possible causes.
Hello sir, i am planning to buy a pellet maker soon. Do you have a formula for duck layer feed?
Yes, here is a duck feed break down for you www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/7
How often do you give grits? Daily, every three days or weekly? What dose, say a handful for 10 birds?
Hi Alan, you can have a bin of grit available all the time free-choice, they only take what they need so no need to ration that. When they have access to open range they will just find pebbles on their own and it's not necessary to provide more. You can just keep grit available.
good
Thanks
fred, I am switching from a crumble to choice feeding. One feeder of grain, (oats in the summer and whole corn in the winter)
One feeder of oyster shells and one feeder with nutrients or supplements. What should i feed as a nutrient or supplement.
cheers!
IF they also have access to free range/forage, they may be ok... whole corn is a good energy source, but poor nutrient... if you separate everything, your birds won't take what they need, rather like kids in a candy shop, they will avoid the stuff that's good for them. The oyster shells are a good idea.. I wish you luck with your custom mixing...
+Frederick Dunn i heard that they waste much of the pellets than mash and also mash is very good as it is more of a free choice
+Isaac owusu Kusi Mash can clump and also generate dust, often falling through the floor cracks. I personally never use mash... BUT, whatever works for your birds is something each of us works out. Pellets never get lost and the birds ingest the complete ration... the overall health and vitality of the birds is the ultimate testimony of course. My birds free range, so the rations provided are maybe 50-30% of what they consume.
To cut costs I started mixing my own feed. My mix is 1 part soybean meal, 1 part corn and 2 parts Triticale. By my calculations, that puts me at around 20 protein, which is higher then the pre mix I was feeding them before and is costing me about half. We also feed them greens, mostly grass and other weeds, as well as fruits and veggie leftovers from the house. Our chicks are around 9 weeks old. The last time I raised chickens for meat and laying I was a kid, I am excited to be raising them again with my children. What do you think of my feed mix?
If they have access to good natural forage, you will do just fine the way you are describing. Please watch your trace elements, very important in the long run. Blue Seal feeds, many years ago, left out salt from their feed and the results were terrible. Foraging chickens are eating bugs along with greens and those are very rich in nutrients not found in greens. As your chicks grow older, they can do fine on 16% protein, I start chicks on 21% protein... if you watch baby chicks on range, they do nab bits and pieces of greens, but hunt and eat tiny bugs more than anything else. Feed combinations become more critical for birds that are confined to smaller runs or inside coops in winter. Starting the birds is the most critical dietary time frame. I think your birds have a great owner! :)
Frederick Dunn At some point we will open the coop and let them roam around during the day, right now we have a ton of grass hoppers they could eat. But I worry they may not go back inside the coop at night, I have a theory it may be best to open a door in the run, that way they could enter the coop through the same day they have been using when going into the house for the night, rather then opening the main door into the house itself. That may help ensure they will find their way back into the house, do you think there is anything to that? Is there a safe age to allow them out to roam freely were I can be confident they will go back into the house at night?
Also, thank you for the nice compliment and info :)
Fred Carter Normally, at six weeks of age they are more than able to return to the coop they live in completely on their own. They will have established a pecking order and will follow one another out and back in generally before sunset. Keep their feed and water inside the coop exclusively and this will encourage them to go in and out throughout the day.
We have been opening the door to allow them to graze the last few days, for the most part they are going back in the house before dark, we have had to round a few up, but I hope before long all of them will make their way back in on their own. On the 2nd day we noticed our count dropped from 50 to 49. We searched all over but could not find the one missing. I didn't find any evidence of an attack but I am thinking one of our cats may have got one. Either that or it wondered off in the brush and got lost. However, they have all stayed within 30 feet of their house up to this point, so my money would be on the cat.
Fred Carter As your flock gets older, cats won't be a problem at all. ==
Can you have chickens without a farm? Like in a suburban area
many people do.
We have frogs in our creek that have something on them that causes dogs and cats to drool and get sick. Are they going to make MY chickens sick, or are they immune?
Your chickens will most likely not be eating those frogs :)
My chickens runs crazy after grasshoppers lol.
And grasshoppers are a great source of protein! Free ranging poultry have a huge advantage over those penned or caged.
👍🏻
Hi! Great video. Where can you buy it?
Buy What?
Hey Fred
I forget what age to change the chicks to the grower/finisher?
What do I feed the keets when they get about the age the chicks would be starting on the grower/finisher?
Gail
Hiya Gail! Ok... change from starter to grower finisher at 6 weeks. As for keets, they should be on game bird rations... for that, just follow instructions on the preparation you get. :) keets need more protein than chickens...
Frederick Dunn Thanks Fred. Lock down starts today for the chickens. Have a week to go for the guineas.
I have 2 parakeets who have grit. Will that work for my chickens too?
I think grit for the parakeets would be the same and have the same function. Would be suitable for chick grit, but not much value for adult chickens. They swallow 1/4 inch sized pebbles.
Egg shells
I under stand that you don't feed oyster shell to young non egg laying chickens. What if you have a mixed flock containing older hens that no longer lay. Will the OS harm them?
That's a great question and the answer is "no" older hens are not harmed by ingesting oyster shells :) Roosters are also just fine once they are mature. If provided free choice, you'll notice that only the birds that need the calcium boost will actually eat them.
OK, so what if mama chickens takes them to food. Is she going to keep them away from OS?
I will have all ages of chickens as mama is sitting on some eggs right now..appreciate your replies.
Oyster shells offered free choice is fine.. they won't eat it unless they need it. I brought it up because layer rations are prepared with the extra calcium and that's not good for premature/non-laying chickens.
Your nails are so well manicured. 😀
Thanks :)
hello,just want some advice,actually i have leghorn breed,and everyday she lay an eggs.the gred of the egg are b and c,small egg.sometime i get a gred a,big size.and how i want to keep the consistensy to get a gred a of eggs.that my question.tq
Egg Laying, including egg size, color and shape is hereditary. As your hen gets older the eggs will be somewhat smaller and less frequent. Breed from your hens that lay the egg size, shape and egg shell you desire and don't breed from inconsistent layers. I'm sorry, that's the best information I can offer :)
Is it better to give them the feed wet or dry? I keep seeing comments about some people ... I think they meant they were fermenting it?
But I don't know if that's right.
Dry, dry feed doesn't spoil for a long time. Fermentation can take place just fine in the crop. :)
Nice vid!!ilike that white bantam chicken.😂😂😂
I love bantam chicken cant you give me some Hatching Eggs ahahah
hello i need list of ingredients for homemade brolers feed thanks you
You'll find current nutrition requirements on your Dept. of Ag feed composition requirements listing.
My hens get into my hard cat food and love eating it. Is this bad for their eggs and should I be concerned about eating their eggs.
The protein in the cat food is good for egg production. Have you noticed an increase in egg production?
Hi Conni, kitten chow for instance, boosts the poultry health that's particularly helpful when breeding for eggs you plan to hatch. I'm sure the cat food, mixed with whatever else they are getting won't be harmful to the chickens :) diversity of diet is the key :)
thanks this was helpful 😀
Thank you for commenting, and you're very welcome!
Angel Sandobal
It sucks that the video cut off to soon
It's just an excerpt of my 3-hour video about raising chickens. ruclips.net/video/msko6-fbLoE/видео.html
Chris how much of that D- earth should be added to the pellets . Thank you
When you fill a pellet feeder, just sprinkle the DE on top like powdered sugar. The vibration from chickens feeding will cause it to filter down in and you're good to go, there isn't a specific % formula.
Thank you :)
you're welcome :)
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Like the shirt Shipmate!!!!!!!
***** Hoo-Yaa Dave... noticed that eh?! I wonder how many other retired CPOs are raising chickens and just getting away from it all :)
Frederick Dunn thank both of you gentlemen for your service.
Hi Chris Turner, I say thank people like YOU for the tax dollars that kept people like me well supplied, trained up and safe while serving! Much appreciated!
Hey brother, here in the P.I. raising some austrolorps, PBR's, White Leghorns, Cobbs and trying to breed a new type of chicken for local consumption. BZ, bro. V/R Ret AMC(AW) V
I’m a retired Chief 22 years here. I have 55 chickens (troops) and am teaching my son how to raise them also. Thanks for the tip about oyster shells to young ones. Didn’t know that😳 this old dog can learn.
And I have to keep you all my chickens going to be with me after the storm and there's raining and there's no way to get across the Bayou on all this top thing but Uncle my chicken so follow me just like God tell me to fall in
Im new to chicken, they dont like pellets what should i feed them
crumbles
I want short type of chicken
I just join your channel. 👍
We've had our chickens for two months now . Ten chickens make ten eggs a day, at times eleven . Where can I find diatomaceous earth ? They don't sell any in our local tractor supply store
Hi Ally, I'm so glad you are enjoying your chickens and thank you for that question as I will also put a link in the video description for others. If you are an Amazon Prime member, this is a great source for DE and it lasts literally for years! Wishing you all the best with your chickens ("> www.amazon.com/Diatomaceous-Earth-Food-Grade-10/dp/B00025H2PY/ref=sr_1_3/140-8117140-2659543?ie=UTF8&qid=1499355776&sr=8-3&keywords=food+grade+diatomaceous-earth
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
Thank You for the info!
+TheVirtualBanana // cjboyonfire You are Very Welcome! I wish you well with your birds! :)
+Frederick Dunn You deserve to have many more subscribers!
+Frederick Dunn I used to feed my chickens by throwing the pellets on the floor
+TheVirtualBanana // cjboyonfire Thanks! :)
Li'l Minecraft Doge God I
Help! I need advice. Somebody gave me 4 baby chicks. I think they're around 3 months old. I've never kept chickens before so I don't know how they should behave but I'm beginning to wonder if they're healthy. They won't touch any food other than the commercial crumbles - they won't touch lettuce, kale, beet tops, water melon, bread, berries, nothing. I'm keeping them in a disused dog kennel until I rig up a coop and they won't leave it. I have an acre of lawn for them to range but they refuse to leave the kennel. I rigged up a plank for them to roost but they won't roost. Maybe they're too young? Does this sound like normal behavior?
That does not sound at all like "normal" chicken behavior and at 3 months? They are no longer chicks and should be behaving in every way like adult chickens. You haven't mentioned what breed they are? You may have some Cornish Cross on your hands... those are meat birds and (if that's what you have) they are not "designed/modified" not to live a normal chicken life. Please tell me more about the breed you have, that will answer lots of questions. But the description of not ranging, not perching and disinterest in food varieties makes me think they are meat birds that have been genetically modified to just sit around getting fat.
Can we caged breed the general chicken?
Yes, chickens can be bred in pens.
So how do you feed a Rooster living with Hens laying eggs if only laying Hens are to eat Oyster shells? Will his organs be effective negatively?
Adult roosters circa 5 months of age can handle the calcium found in prepared rations... when it comes to oyster shell fragments offered free choice, you don't generally see roosters eating the oyster shell. It is not damaging to any adult chicken. It's during the early and middle stages that using a laying ration is a potential problem. Birds on free range also balance out their own diet during the growing season.
I think my chickens are spoiled.
They don't like corn.
They like meal worms (bottomless pits!), oats, millet, black sunflower seeds. $$$$ (No soy cuz my body shuts down if I eat anything with soy.)
They run on 1/2 acre 3-4 hrs a day and eat lots of St. Augustine grass
I give them tuna or sardines 2x wk.
Is this balanced enough? The shells seem thin, but....big orange yolks but whites are kinda thin.
Getting 7 eggs daily on avg from 9 Rhode Islands.
Oh...no rooster. 😕
Hi; Im looking for a good chick starter recipe for quail~do you have any advice? thank you.
Quail need game-bird feed, it's different from chick starter. Most feed companies offer it through your feed store. If you can't find it, you can generally go into any pet store and special order it in. amzn.to/2Th8m6T it's also sold on Amazon. I don't recommend trying to compose your own recipe as it's difficult to match all the nutrients and supplements they need to get off to a healthy start.
Can granit grit be fed to any age of chickens
Yes, there is "chick grit" which is the same thing only in smaller particles.
What was your rate in the navy?
HT... source rating for many specialties :)
My dog jus laid an egg yesterday
Keep that dog, it's magical...
How much DE should I put in my food. I just bought a 28lb bag of Starter/Grower, how much DE should I put in it????Also, what if I put too much DE in the food, should I ditch the food. Would it harm or kill my chickens???
+Tara Duke There is no specific quantity, think of it as putting sugar on a donut :) you can just put it ON the food, as the birds eat, DE will naturally sift down into the pellets or crumbles.
@@FrederickDunn - *Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
W.O.W.
Hi so I own two 3 month old chickens and I feed them grit for 1 month then ran out . So I went to the pet store to ask what to feed my chicks and they gave me grounded kernels so I feed them with that is that a good diet . I sometimes once in a while give them a little bit of oats . It's my first time owning chickens so I am kinda lost :( help !
What should I feed them and can not?
I mean chick starter not grit lol .
A complete ration of starter crumbles should be fine... just make sure that the feed you are buying is for chickens and has the protein necessary for developing chicks. Generally you feed a starter ration for the first six weeks and then change to a grower finisher until they produce their first egg and then go to a laying ration. You can view my video titled How to raise chickens... in that video, I show you every stage of growth and development... your post was identified as spam, that's why I didn't see it until now.
Ok thanks
Mishkastuff77 you're welcome
hello sir i have 2 aseel cocks both are healthy but when i added 2 hens for them after days they bagan mating and become weak
what i giving them now is only cracked corn please advice what to give waiting for your reply
Cracked corn is just like eating candy all the time.... nutritionally unimportant for chickens. They require a complete ration with trace elements. Breeding birds need more protein than others, sometimes you can boost the protein levels at least a month before breeding for hatching eggs, you may supplement with kitten chow. Corn is just a starch/filler that can be a source of energy, but is nutritionally profoundly deficient.
thanks sir for this video but i know about pellets,also corn and grit but mash crumbs do not
Open compost you get all that
Open compost cannot compare, but is a good supplement.
One of my chicken is pooping white sticky and bloody poo...wat can I feed him???
You may have to de-worm your chickens. Intestinal parasites are the most common cause of blood in droppings.
What I want to know and I know God's going to tell me is if I don't have none of the stuff available me and my chickens we are running down the road that what can I feed them to keep them alive an emergency
.
hello teacher
please i have a question can i use ca oh2 instead of ca co3 for checkens feeding
can I have the feed table of 3 week chicks
??
Chick starter feed is specifically formulated to provide the essential nutrients that chicks need during their crucial first 6-8 weeks of life. Here's a breakdown of the preferred dietary composition:
Protein (18-22%): This is the most critical nutrient for chicks, supporting strong muscle and feather development. Common protein sources include corn, soybean meal, and fishmeal.
Carbohydrates (50-60%): Chicks rely on carbohydrates for energy, with corn, wheat, and barley being common sources in chick starter feed.
Fats (5-10%): Fats provide energy and aid vitamin absorption. Vegetable oils and animal fat are typical sources in the feed.
Fiber (3-5%): Fiber is crucial for chick digestion, regulating their digestive system and promoting satiety. Wheat bran and oat hulls are common fiber sources.
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicks require a variety of vitamins and minerals for overall health, supporting growth, development, and immune function. Chick starter feed is typically fortified with these essential nutrients.
can you please tell me what to feed 3/4 weeks chickens
+Isaac owusu Kusi At that age and stage of development, they should be on a starter "chick" complete ration... I do not personally recommend trying to make your own rations for them and suggest going to a feed store and reading the labels. I also suggest going with crumbles rather than mash... good luck! :)
alright cheers
+Frederick Dunn My 10 broilers now on their week #3 with crumble starter feeds on a 24/7 basis.
My queries are:
1. When do i need to change from starter to grower? Crumble or pellet grower?
2. Is it necessary for a 24/7 food ration? Until what broiler age?
Need your recommendations and advice.
THANK YOU.
Are you raising broilers for meat harvest? Are they the type that gets slaughtered at six weeks of age? If that is what you are rearing, I have to admit that I have no experience with those highly modified breeds. Your best resource for feed information will be the seller of your birds. The chick starter, grower finisher and layer rations are for chickens that live long normal lives and have not been genetically modified to get fat quick... broilers are generally "designed" to put on maximum flesh with minimum feed, with some conversion rates of 2 lbs of feet to 1 lb of flesh on the chicken... I'm just going to guess that you remain on starter/grower ration and yes, feed them 24/7... they have very short lives.
+Frederick Dunn My 10 broiler chickens are raised just for meat. In my mind, im going to feed them crumble starter until 4 weeks of age, and change to crumble grower until slaughter day (maybe 8 weeks old). Can you please advice me on this? 24/7 food ration really that necessary (need to cost-cut my budget eh)? Need your piece of advice on this. My first time to raise chickens...
Thank you and God bless.
In the future can you mark a video talking about reptiles
Make not mark
my chick is 2 month old What should I feed
Grower finished rashions...
Do you still need grit if you feed your chickens egg shells
+Isaac owusu Kusi Yes... the reason is that grit is for digestion and egg shells are for calcium fortification... those are two completely different functions. All grit does is help work as a grinder in the gizzard, it does not contribute to nutrition on its own.
thank you very much that really helps
+Isaac owusu Kusi You're very welcome!
+Frederick Dunn Im thinking to feed my 8 cornish birds with crumble grower mixed with yellow corn grits on their week 5 up to butcher day week 8, for cost-cutting purposes. In financial constraint eh! Could this be possible and wont harm them? Kindly advice. Thank you.
Just remember that corn in all its forms (cracked, whole, powder) is a FAT PRODUCER... and not so much nutritious, think of it as fast food for birds. The birds you are describing aren't going to be living very long, so I think your goal is just to put weight on them without regard to longevity. You should make friends with someone at a grocery store, they throw out huge amounts of fresh produce once it begins to wilt, you may be able to cut feed cost by claiming that waste and feeding it to your birds. Just remember CORN = CANDY and will fatten the birds up.
i m a indian but dont understand how to buy all these in india for my chickens.😓😓😓😓😓
can u help me in getting their indian names
what is crumps
crumbles.... not crumps... :)
Is rice good for them?
Just like for people, rice is a starch and can fatten them up, but isn't a strong staple. It's safe to feed them rice if you want to.
Frederick Dunn thank you
You're very welcome!
Wow
👍🏻 on the vid.
Now go start a Fodder System.
ok
Hello! My chickens are not eating the crumble in any form so I figured that i would switch to pellets which I know they like.However they are not eating the cracked corn which is a concern, they haven;t even tried it. How could i get them to try it?
Hi Theo, how old are your chickens? If they are of laying age, then pellets are fine. I've never had a chicken that wouldn't eat crumbles, that's very strange. Not eating cracked corn is fine as it's just a fattener, but again, I've never had a chicken not take cracked corn when it's offered as it's like candy to them. Is there any chance your chickens aren't healthy?
Frederick Dunn No they are healthy, very energetic and happy! They are at laying age and when the eat the crumble they only eat 3 bits and leave everything else.
Then if you know they like the pellets, I'd just stay with that? Less waste...
CORN BOIL IS OK ?
corn is just a fattener and yes, you can cook it.
If there's an emergency a tornado or something I want to know that I can give my chickens, and be able to feed them in any type of emergency if I have to cook my chicken to follow me they love me but I'll just want to make sure that if we don't have all this technology available can I keep my chickens alive oh, and I know God give you the ability
You can give them bread
Can you use rocks instead of granite
+Brayden Heath Yes... on range, chickens find small pebbles on their own. Small rocks are just fine.
How much diatomaceous earth should I add to their feed?
Just a small amount to prevent clumping.
i seen a hen eat a whole mouse that was running away in the grass , just
gobbled it down ,
On free range, that's a common site, sometimes they find a nest of mice and it's a feeding frenzy with chickens chasing each other around with mice in their beaks. The soccer game lasts longer with larger mice as they grab it away from one another for quite a while. Baby snakes also have almost no chance... Guinea fowl also hunt small mammals. Thanks for sharing Michelle!
Imagine if terror birds still existed.... that could be you running around trying not to get gobbled up lol....
@@goldwolf0606 There are still birds that kill people simply for being in their territory. The Cassowary rushes up and eviscerates human invaders and as it's a jungle bird, you often don't have much warning. I've hatched and raised Emu and they are gentle giants. 6 feet tall, 120 lbs and they really enjoy being around people :)
@SHADOW Master I prefer emu over ostrich as they are just easier to manage and don't get so heavy. There is an Ostrich farm near me and the owner had his leg broken by a large male. EMS couldn't get to him as the Ostrich continued to guard him and prevent access. I also can't afford an adequate fence system to contain Ostrich. :)
@SHADOW Master Pellets are at Tractor Supply, Agway, or your local Feed Co-op.
The diatomaceous Earth MUST BE "FOOD GRADE".. PLEASE You SHOULD have this NOTED!
Hi Sarah, I wish you had taken a moment to read the video description. Thank you for all of the CAPS and shouting at me.
I've amended the video title just for you :)
*Nevvvvver **_EVVVVER_* use Diatomaceous "Earth" as "Natural" pest control in your garden or *_ANYWHERE_** NEAR IT* for the VERY REASON Cited in the Vid -
it does the VERY SAME THING to your Honey Bees as it does to the "external parasites" on the chickens , along WITH the REASON he cites for why YOU should
ALWAYS HANDLE WITH *_EXTREME_** CAUTION* .
Diatomaceous "EARTH" is NOT *"EARTH"* .
It is the shells & skeletons of prehistoric diatoms, and as such is extremely abrasive as it shards into sharp-edged nearly microscopic dust, EXTREMELY HARMFUL to ALL who come into contact with it - EVEN *_YOU_* . Think in terms of "Silicosis" - a DIRECT "relative" to
ASBESTOUS POISONING - which leads
_DIRECTLY and inalterably_
to an
*INCURABLE* form of *_LUNG CANCER_* .
NONE of this is "Speculation" or "OPINION" but is
VERIFIABLE _FACT_ which *YOU* can learn
_DIRECTLY FOR _*_YOURSELF_*
with just the TINIEST amount of "GOOGLING" .
I thought DE as a parasitic was debunked? Wasn't there a trial done on DE chickens vs non DE chickens and found no difference in parasites?
That's a great comment, and I'll explain the confusion there. Some poeple are feeding DE to chickens to treat inernal parasites and that doesn't work. It does work as an anti-clumping agent and definitely works on external parasites in the nest material and on the outside of the chickens.
@@FrederickDunn great info. I had heard similar, but great to get reaffirmation. Thanks for taking the time to answer.
@@keenowl1410 Absolutely :)