We are trying to save money on eggs, so I don't want to invest more in feeding these chickens than the eggs would cost at the store. What can they eat?
2007-03-25 06:42:35 · 5 answers · asked by justcurious 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
bantams (or bantys) are the best layers..but they lay small eggs.
We have a preference for barred rocks/rhode island reds (large brown eggs) auracaunas (some like to call them americaunas because it sells better at the stores) lay med to small green or pink eggs..they aren't the most consistent layers though.
austrolorps lay large to very large eggs..
Wyndottes (silver and golden laced) are our best layers for size and quality.
we feed layer pellets (I recomend pellets if you live where it rains alot)
They still cost whether store or home..and keep in mind that they lay 1 egg ever 36 hours, so if you get more than one or two you are going to need someone to sell the eggs to...they also don't lay during the winter and you are still going to have to feed them.
They will also eat any leftovers you have in your kitchen except onions (and I don't recomend feeding them leftover chicken dishes either, that's just wrong in my book) But you have got to feed them scratch or layer pellets or crumbles too, they need the extra protein to thrive and prevent starvation and lay eggs.
you will also occasionaly have to suplement with oyster shells if their shells become weak they need the calcium that the oyster shells provide.
keep in mind too, even if it cost more, the eggs you get at home are better for you and taste better (and will give less money to egg companies that often treat their chickens horribly!)
2007-03-25 07:46:14 · answer #1 · answered by spottedmyappy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orpingtons are fabulous for saving money. These docile chickens lay about 150 eggs a year per hen, even through winter. They are cold hardy, and great foragers. AND they make good meat chickens as well.
Sure, layer feed is best. In fact, a mix of layer feed and scratch grain is great. You can also feed them table scraps, or let them free range and supplement their feed with scratch grain (if you've got the space for it).
2007-03-25 16:10:03 · answer #2 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order for them to lay, you need laying mash.. its a ground meal to be given once a day scratch feed so to speak... you alo need to keep in mind that some chickens dont lay every day and some do... My preference is to make sure you ARE getting good hens, Biddies arent sex guarunteed... Reds and Arucaunas....Bantams are just as good... it depends the things I like about Arucaunas is they lay colored eggs, lol. A big important is keep the water fresh to assure no bacteria develops, also... you need to realize that its going to cost whether you feed your own or purchase the eggs yourselves...
2007-03-25 13:52:23 · answer #3 · answered by Raven Song 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the best breed for laying are Rhode Island Reds. We just got seven of them. Everywhere I've looked says they're the best layers. They can lay 200-300 eggs a year (just one hen). We feed layer pellets.
2007-03-25 15:38:36 · answer #4 · answered by Country_Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Araucanas--They are called Easter Egg chickens--they lay colored eggs--I use to raise them and the are good layers and fun to pick up colored eggs!-I fed mine hen scratch & laying pellets! They are a med. sized chicken.--This site will tell you about them--www.feathersite.com
2007-03-25 13:56:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋