For those getting juvenile pullets this year..

For those getting juvenile pullets this year I thought I’d share a bit for those who are new to poultry. I’ve skipped a few common sense things like how they also need water with their food.

The pullets you receive should be fed a free choice ration of 18-20% grower.  Once they reach 16 weeks you can switch them over to a layer crumble or pellet.

The majority of the Backyarder Rainbow Collection are at a juvenile stage in their growth and likely to molt one last time before laying that first coveted egg.  If you notice missing feathers don’t fret, they will grow back.  If you have birds in the 7-12 week age range you will need to handle gently at that time as they may be in a partial molt.  It’s OK if you see chickens eat ground feathers. Sometimes they even eat their own feathers as a good source of protein.

If it’s cold at night you can raise the level of protein to a higher percentage such as 22% to prevent feather damage.  Minimize food scraps and treats (corn scratch) until your birds are already laying.  They do not require heat at this time. They should be mostly feathered. But if you feel that it’s still too cold out you can supplement heat as long as you have a safe way of doing so.

Fighting hens can be problematic if one draws blood. I suggest treating wound with an anti fungal or salve and placing duct tape over the affected area. The duct tape will eventually fall off after the wound has healed.

Yes, hens have waddles and combs on their heads.  However, if it wakes you up in the morning with a trumpet sounding song it’s more than likely a rooster.

Most of our birds are soft feather meaning that they have fluffy feathers. Some that we raise have a more compact feather arrangement and they are known as hard feathered. It’s more likely that you will see feather damage in the soft feathered breeds of poultry.

With the Backyarder Rainbow Collection, we allow you to pick one out of every 3 pack and we will pick the accompanying two.  **Update: This blog was written during the 2019 season.  Picking one out of every 3 pack does not apply for our 2020 Season onwards.  We are only selling chicks at this time, no pullets available.  We will pick all three breeds.  We will also do our best to give a variety in egg colour.

If you have any other suggestions to add to this list please feel free to email me.

If you have any questions about the backyard rainbow collection here is a link:

http://www.gradeehfarms.ca/laying-hens-backyarder-rainbow-collection.html