10/17/2024
I have had several folks ask me about how I condition/feed my birds for show, so decided to post a little write up. :)
Genetics is always numero uno! (In my book) That green sheen, fleshing, vigor can all vary from flock to flock. We can however manipulate the odds in our favor to an extent with husbandry, quality feed & external variables.
1.) Husbandry is what you want to make it. I try to keep my pens clean with weekly turning of bedding in pens, lime, dry & clean bedding. I don't skimp on the bedding part. I use a mid to fine pine shavings. CLEAN FRESH WATER. That is all! 😂 But seriously, clean fresh water is so important for any animal.
2.) Quality feed. THIS is to me one of the biggest components to manipulate the odds in your favor. Most commercial feeds are made with vegan protein. Nothing wrong with soy, but I am a firm believer in a source of animal protein for my birds. Everyone may focus on protein alone, but quality amino acids & the sources they come from is where it's at for me. Methionine & lysine being numero uno. Most commercial feeds, especially layer feed is made/designed with minimal amounts of protein, amino acids & fats to sustain life & egg laying abilities. A 16% layer does not cut it for my orps, brahma & cornish. Through trial & error, I've found my birds feel & do best at 19%. I like Lysine at 1% to 1.10 & Methionine at .7 to .8. I like fat to be at 5%. Both of these amino acids play a critical role in building blocks of muscle, plumage, immune & digestive roles. I do not have a degree in poultry nutrition. I leave that to the professionals like Jeff Mattocks. Want to learn more about poultry nutrition? Check out the fb group called Poultry Breeder Nutrition. Rip Stalvey also helps with this group & there is a wealth of information & knowledge there. (Lots of saved files to look through). I do use a few supplements as well. My top 2 are Kickin' Chicken (oil) & Avaplex.
I love using crimped oats in summer & fall time. I soak them in 5 gallon buckets for a couple days, they get a "stink" to them. My birds love them! During the super hot days, I'll also add electrolytes if needed.
3.) External Variables
I have found my birds do best on the ground. I know this is not an option for everyone & can very greatly from region to region. It's just what works best for my birds. Being on the ground & access to forage has been the the biggest piece of the puzzle for me. My birds grow better, feel better & overall are a healthier bird. I know many may disagree & that's ok. We all can raise them how we like. I do pen up birds anywhere from 1 week to several depending on what it is prior to a show. I like to mist the birds with a water bottle, I'll add a tablespoon or so of glycerine as well. Misting the birds promotes preening, especially my males that are single penned. Those hot, dry summers? Misting helps tremendously with feather quality When we take birds off soil, we remove their ability to dust bathe & absorb moisture from the soil. The last piece is External bug control. I raise birds that have heavier feather down or too round to preen their own effectively, so it seems. Or they are basically just pigs. I use a rotation of permetherin, elector & new homemade concoction.(thanks tylor!) I'll hit birds & also use a big sprayer to do inside houses & outside runs.
This is a quick pen of the basics I do & provide for my birds that have been most important & is by no means all encompassing. Raising birds is my passion, I spend a lot of time at the barn with them. Bucket sitting has learned me alot as well. Most importantly, do what you enjoy & forget the rest!
Angela
