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Post by greenwoodchook on Apr 8, 2009 12:47:09 GMT 8
I have decided to get some wyandottes (unless for some reason or rather I change my mind). I looked at the Poultry feed watch thread and there are so many types of food... What is the best? Wheat? Poultry Mix or Pellets? Are they all the same? Am I meant to feed the chickens a combination of these and how much do you have to give each chicken? and how much grit is necessary? and what's this mash business? I am so confused ...
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Post by rap on Apr 8, 2009 14:01:46 GMT 8
Try and feed as varied diet as possible . Layers pellets morning feeding guide on bags and wheat in the evening.You might prefer to buy poultry mix. Green food/fruit as often as possible. Kitchen scraps/leftovers as available.Shell grit should be available to them all the time. Water must be available all of the time best kept in the shade. My chooks feed ad lib from hoppers so its available to them most of the time Buy big bags of feed they should work out cheaper per kg.Always look around and compare prices. Store all feed in vermin proof containers plastic dust bin with lock down lid is good. Make sure chooks have plenty of shade all through the day.
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Post by beck on Apr 8, 2009 14:41:47 GMT 8
Hi greenwoodchook i just buy a ready made poultry mix and as rap says fill up the feeder and let them at it you can give them extra's anytime you like as rap says scraps are always welcome
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Post by greenwoodchook on Apr 8, 2009 15:03:17 GMT 8
My brother works at the growers market so I can get lots of free veges. Can too much veges be no good for chickens? and is there anything you can't give them that would make them sick or give them the runs or anything?
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Post by Judes on Apr 8, 2009 15:22:29 GMT 8
You really can make it as simple or as complicated as you like, chickens will eat almost anything so most of them arent too fussy Start out with just a ready made poultry mix like Beck said because this will be a "complete" feed so all the vitamins and minerals necessary for egg laying will be included, and then as you learn more you can adjust it as you like. Dont feel like it has to be complicated to keep them healthy because it doesnt. Apparently it is a good idea to stay away from avocadoes (ive never tried so I dont know if this is true) but otherwise they will eat just about any fruit and veg scraps. Dont give large amounts of lettuce all the time as it is mostly water. Other than that they will thank you for as much as you can give them
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Post by rap on Apr 8, 2009 15:27:07 GMT 8
Citrus fruits are sometimes not recommended or spicy foods.Greens/fruits they will eat a lot of and is good for them.Meat scraps cooked or raw, bacon rind and cheese yogurt not much they don't eat. But nothing if it has gone off or rotten. Lettuce contains Lodinum /Opium and can cause the scours if fed in large amounts.
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Post by fluffychook on Apr 8, 2009 16:10:14 GMT 8
What is scours rap
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Post by rap on Apr 8, 2009 16:36:03 GMT 8
Scours = diarrhea in livestock
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Post by beck on Apr 8, 2009 18:03:39 GMT 8
oh so glad you asked fluffy that was my next question lol thanks rap
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Post by lakelands on Apr 8, 2009 18:52:31 GMT 8
It's all been said. A general poultry mix has a combiantion of layer pellets, shell grit, mixed grains like wheat, corn and sunflower seeds. Rap is right, too much lettuce can cause diarrhea but most other vegies are great as treats. especially cauliflower and grated carrot. just everything in moderation
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Post by Duck Diva on Apr 8, 2009 20:31:38 GMT 8
Wyandottes, a great choice greenwoodchook!! All the best with it and dont forget to keep us updates on your new chooks when you get them & we want piccies
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