02-22-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Feed  Chicken specific: Always choose a feed that is specific for chickens (not ducks, not gamebirds, not ‘all birds’) unless caloric, mineral and vitamin content has been evaluated to be appropriate. Recommendations on appropriate feed content can be found in Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery (see reference list).  Life stage specific: Always choose a feed that is specific to the life stage. If you have laying hens, get a layer feed. If you have chicks, get a chick starter feed. The high amount of calcium in layer feed is not healthy for birds who aren’t laying. The high amount of protein in chick starter isn’t healthy for adults. For all adult birds (laying or not) , Roudybush Maintenance low- fat crumbles is a great feed for all adults (make sure there is plenty of oyster shell available).  Extra calcium: no matter what feed you choose, extra calcium should be available free choice. Oyster shell crumbles are readily available at most feed stores  Grit: chickens need small bits of mineral in their stomachs in order to grind and digest their feed. You can get commercial grit at stores, otherwise oyster shell is also considered a ‘grit’  Where: the above feeds are readily available at most feed stores including Fleet Farm and Houle’s Farm Garden and Pet  Treats: Such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are great to supplement. Like all treats, feed in moderation (any food in excess can be toxic) and avoid toxic foods  Foods toxic to/unhealthy for chickens: Avocados, white potatoes (sweet potatoes are ok), leaves of tomatoes/eggplants, fruit seeds/pits, raw/dried beans, rhubarb, onions, chocolate, coffee/tea/caffeine, nothing too sweet/salty/fried, rice/pasta/bread, dairy  If you have feeders outside, do not leave them outside overnight. Move them into a rodent proof area  A second feeder should be provided if there are especially submissive or aggressive birds, as feeder guarding can occur Water  Fresh, clean water should be provided and changed daily  A second water bowl or source should be provided if there are especially submissive or aggressive birds, as water guarding can occur.  Each bird can drink up to a liter of water per day so ensure your water containers contain at least that volume Eggs  Egg laying starts at 5-6 months of age, peaks around 18 months and declines thereafter and will stop with reproductive disease  Different breeds lay at different rates; in general, humans have bred hybrid egg-laying breeds to lay the most, but at the cost of a shortened lifespan (see breeds below)  Eggs can be laid anytime; pick eggs in the AM and PM to decrease chance of predators finding them, decrease chance of hens learning to eat them, and will keep them out of the hot sun or from freezing in winter  To encourage egg-laying in the nester, line it with soft material such as aspen savings or hay and change often; keep the nester clean and dry.  Chickens don’t lay their entire life.