How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[emmalou]

Our chicken run has gradually become just dust and moss since the chickens arrived and the grass seems to have disappeared in the space of 6 weeks. They have a 13 metre run and I do let the chickens out for a couple of hours a day and they have greens in the morning for brekkie, ie cabbage etc but was wondering whether they find enough to eat in a run that has lost all it's greenery? They always seem to be grazing, maybe for insects, although I cannot see any of those in there either!!! Is this sufficient free ranging each day? I try and let them out when I am in the garden, although the garden is as secure as it could be. I am still reluctant to let them out and get on with things. Their run is looking very sorry for itself, as all runs are eventually but not sure if I am doing enough to give them as much greenery as they need each day.

[Cat tails]

They technically don't need anything other than laying pellets. Not even greens, bugs, or anything else.

[sjp]

it amazes me how much they find in 'bare' earth just don't think of anything they find a feed just think of it as treats or extras.

I know a lot say that they only need the layers ration but it's a boring diet to have every day with out any extras

My mob got to 'play' with the plum apple apricot and grape vine prunings again this weekend plus a few apple that I knocked of as I went along plus a few that I took off that had the grub in them safe to say there wasn't a lot of leaves left that were worth eating after any hour or so

[chooksRCute]

I agree they don't "need' anything other than their layers food but they do so enjoy time out of the run, grazing on grass & the odd treat.

 

Just a thought, while they'll happily grub in bare earth, come winter it might get a bit moody. At that point you may consider putting some hardwood chip in or if covered miscanthus/hemp bedding.

[emmalou]

Sorry didn't quite get that, what will get a bit moody in winter? Did you mean muddy?Their run is enclosed by wire and meshing. Not quite understanding your comment chooksRcute sorry?? Do you mean adding something over the run floor? I have some hay for the nest boxes atm. Is that any different to hemp bedding or woodchip? Do you just mean bags of woodchip?

[Chickabee]

All chickens want to do is scratch. Don't worry if theres no grass. As the Autumn comes in you can throw in windfall fruit and leaves. Please don't worry too much the food you give them is sufficient they will still scratch. I like to give mine black sunflower seeds and occasionally a little corn mix. If they're lucky they get left over veg. Scratching is their best thing. If you like you can throw in a section of straw, they love that

[Olly]

Bare earth is fine - grass has no chance of lasting! Adding some horse bedding, straw or wood chip will give them something to scratch in. Every few months, I dig out a layer of lovely rich compost and spread some more of whatever I'm using.

 

However, ChooksRCute is right in saying that in winter the run is likely to get very muddy (I'm guessing that's an AuroCorrect!). Ideally you need at least part of the run to be covered with something like polycarbonate sheeting, or a 'glass' tarpaulin would do - if you don't keep it dry it'll turn into a bit of a quagmire. The hens don't seem to mind too much but it'll look hideous and be no fun for you when you need to go in there.

[Olly]

PS - going back to your original question - they don't need anything other than layers pellets, but of course they like some variety and its green veg that gives the yolks a lovely orange colour. I hang up a bunch of greens when there's anything available - bolted brassicas, or they love sow thistle or dandelion leaves. You can chuck in a cabbage for them to peck at but I don't buy anything specially.

[Chickabee]

Also can lead to muddy balls on their toes. Not nice