As background, we own and operate our own ISO-accredited (17025) mass spec laboratory and conduct over 10,000 tests each year for heavy metals, aflatoxins, glyphosate, raw materials identity and microbiological contamination (e.coli, salmonella, etc.). To my knowledge, our lab conducts more food safety testing than any other non-governmental organization in the world. We routinely test all our raw materials and finished products that are offered at HealthRangerStore.com, where customers know they are purchasing clean, lab-tested and certified organic products for health and personal care.
-Capt. Pat & db
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Uh-huh, I knew it was the season, not the Tractor Supply feed.
It's funny, just this morning I got an email from WiscoDave saying 'Isn't it funny how everybody's chickens started laying again?' and then within an hour I got this link from Capt. Pat and db.
Buddy I work with raises chickens and told me if the chickens aren't getting enough calcium in their diet, they won't lay eggs.
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Which is why anybody that knows anything at all about chickens will supplement their diet with crushed oyster shells or the crushed shells of the chicken's eggs.
DeleteIt doesn't take much. I throw a palmful of oyster shell into my bird's feed about once a month. I bought a 20 pound bag about 4-5 years ago and I'm still on the same bag.
Yep. What he said. 7-8 bucks at the co-op. I put a handful in every time I refill the feeder. Nice tough shells. Laying slowed over winter, but never completely stopped.
DeleteIf I give them any more than what I do, they just peck around it. They know when they need it and how much they need. Same thing with grit for their crops.
DeleteBox Turtles need calcium for eggs & shells too. I just throw Cuttlefish bones in their pen & they chew on them when they want to. They especially like the fresh ones, they smell like fish. It's almost turtle time but the ground is still a little cool.
ReplyDelete12-13 eggs a day out of 13 chickens. You want more eggs? Put a light inside the coop on a timer. My birds get 14hrs of light a day all year round even if they don't go out of the coop. Door is also on a timer, open 1.5hrs after 'sun-up' and closes 1.5hrs after 'sun-down'. I use the Dumor 16% pellets, always have unless the organic stuff is cheaper. Eggs only slow down if something eats a bird. The birds also don't all lay in the morning. I have a few that won't lay an egg if it's light out. Once it gets dark, I have a few extra in the nest to start the day.
ReplyDeleteI was seriously worried. My girls get milo, ground corn and table scraps. Thought for a minute someone was sneaking Producers Pride to them when production dropped.
ReplyDeleteSarcasm, right?
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