Keeping Chickens Newsletter

and I think it better and safer to moisten it for the birds myself than to allow them to do so. I do not believe the bird can moisten a large handful of dry mixture after it enters the crop so evenly as I can before it goes there. Then if the mash is about the temperature of the bird's body when it is fed (or, on cold mornings, a little higher) she will not have to use up her heat in raising it to that temperature."

Brenda Baumgardner : If someone wants a breed that will definitely go broody, and are good mothers, I highly recommend Cochins. Banty and full size. They are also great layers. My late march 2008 hens already have chicks. This wasn't my idea this late in the year because of harsh Wisconsin winters & the hens being so young, but the sneaky critters managed to hide eggs. lol. I added some heat lamps to the chicken house to help the chicks keep warm when they aren't under their moms.

200 Eggs a Year Chicken Care Guide CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS