We work to ensure our hens eat a balanced and nutritious diet of grains, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. And of course, water is always available! A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the flock’s health and also plays an important role in the quality of ungraded eggs produced.
Water – Poultry need to have access to clean, fresh water at all times. When starting day old birds or after moving or transporting birds, give access to water before putting feed in the feeders. During the winter months, special care must be taken to ensure water does not freeze.
We follow feed regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Steroids, hormones or antibiotics are not approved for use in Canada. This means that the eggs do not contain steroids or hormones. Nor are there antibiotics used.
Layers are fed PPV 550 Layer Pur Veg 18% Crumbles from the age of 18 – 80 weeks.
On occasion, we like to add into their diet the following items:
- Any fresh vegetable and/or fruit scraps that would otherwise be composted become a healthy treat.
- All vegetable garden clippings or waste is tossed into the yard for the hens to eat up.
- Bread scraps
- Any stale nuts or seeds
Do not allow feeders to run empty or stale feed to accumulate. Never feed anything moldy or musty.
We add calcium into their diets by providing crushed egg shells. This simple step ensures that our egg shells are nice and hard.
This style of watering system allows for simplicity and efficiency providing fresh clean drinking water to your hens. You do need access to running water for this system.
This style of waterer is also ideal however requires daily cleaning and filling of fresh water to ensure that your hens have access to fresh clean water.
We like to use this style of feeder because it can be tied from the rafters and it hangs at the appropriate height for the hens to feed. It keeps the feed clean because it is raised up off the floor and kept away from the shavings.
If you are looking for further information on how to raise backyard chickens, you may enjoy this book and it is available in kindle or print. Check out the preview below –
