We experienced this conspiracy on a personal level. We used tractor supplies feed this past 6 months and we have 40 chickens. We were going crazy wondering, why are we only getting like 1 or 2 eggs a day, on a good day? Then we heard about the feed theory on youtube from another homesteader. We switched our feed and that week our egg production exploded. I can attest on a personal level that is was definitely the feed.
Constance - I agree that chickens do lay less in the winter. But - check this out: the local family I buy meat and eggs from have 400 chickens that stopped laying in Oct and haven't laid an egg since. Their chickens are free range and get very little feed; however, the little bit of feed has affected every chicken. This is happening to many of the farmers around them. I do indeed believe the feed is being 'messed' with. I am praying God will bless each farmer and homesteader. I know y'all need God's protection and blessings.
you are correct. Purina animal feeds, owned by land o lakes, is now in the egg business. their facilities went online in September. SO just a "coincidence" I guess when every bodies chickens stopped Purina has about 10 different feed "labels" they produce for. tractor supply being one of them. which TS is owned by Wal-Mart. the rabbit hole gets really deep in this. and plenty of evidence out there.
Yes! My flock stopped in October as well. I usually still get a couple every few days through the winter but I got nothing. I switched to my local farm co-op 4 days ago and yesterday I got 7 eggs on a day with highs in the 20s and overcast all day!!! Something is definitely not right. There are several videos of people going down the rabbit hole on this and proving it.
Find a local feed store. The prices for local feed is usually a lot less. I have been using a mfa feed store and have not had a huge cut back on the egg production. We have had some due to the winter time but we are still getting enough.
@@starrmiller8737 homestead heart has a channel and the large flocks they have had stopped laying around October as well using PP chicken feed. Yes, something has been done to the feed, and shes in Georgia.
So glad this world is not my home... I'm just passing through. My chickens love sardines in water! Helps boost protein and really helps during a hard molt. The world looks bleak but what an awesome time to live and share the gospel. God is not surprised... He's in complete control... And that gives me peace.
It happened to us. We've raised chickens for almost 15 years and never experienced our hens completely stop laying for over three months. We changed their feed and they immediately started laying. I live in the south, so winters don't get as cold for our girls.
I use TS feed and I'm still getting the same amount of winter time eggs. I've been around this TH-cam homesteading community for years. Chickens who stop laying has always been an ongoing issue. A lot of times changing feed does help, maybe they grow tired of the taste or the formula does change because suppliers change. A lot of times just adding some corn or the black oil seeds will get them laying again in the winter. All normal stuff.
WELCOME to the Beautiful state of ARKANSAS! WOOOO PIG SOOIE! There are LOADS of coyotes in the Ozarks, I live about 25 minutes outside of Harrison and just up off the Buffalo River, and I deal with them continually. I do free range my birds for the most part, but on days when I know the coyotes are more likely to be around, I keep them in their yard. Late December through Early March is coyote breeding season and the puppies are born around 2 months later and that is when the pack will ramp up their hunting. They are smart animals and seem to learn patterns and because of this I learned to vary my schedule as far as when I release my birds to roam. I try to never release my birds at the same time of day several days in a row and if I'm gonna be gone for the day I do not release them at all. I have a 'Freedom Stick' leaning up at each door for easy access in the event we do spot a coyote. We have game cameras up, as do our neighbors, and that allows us to know what time of day the coyotes are in the area, and which direction they come from, which is also helpful.
We have been so blessed to get one egg per hen all winter here in mid Ohio even in the negative temps. So happy to get these jewels daily. We Dont use TS feed. Ours LOVE food scraps, especially bread and pizza. ❤😂
l have always raised my chickens in their natural environment = no lights in winter, lots of hay and shavings for bedding in their chicken house, free range in the afternoon, and locked up at night to protect them from predators. I let those who get eggs from me know the girls are on 'vacation' for a few months. Then i wait for the 'more than 1 egg a day' to come, just like I wait for Spring to get the garden really going! By the way, I love your apron!
Doug and Stacy video yesterday,,a gal did the research on feed, who owns feed Co., who they are in ownership with. ,the largest egg producer in the country!!
The company you purchased it from most likely will move it for you. When I moved the barn company we purchased came and moved it to my new home. The fee to move it was reasonable.
I have chickens and like you I purchase from a local feed mill. I also make sure to give my chickens warm water twice a day!! They slowed down a little during the Christmas storm but have recovered nicely now!!
Constance I'm so happy for your future plans in following God's Will for you and your Family Especially for Willow. I couldn't wait for you to say they were also coming with you. Phew! This is such an Adventure for you all and can't wait to experience Life in the Ozarks. Thanks for all the good times you shared in Alabama. Now turning to a new chapter I'm sure it will be Magical. Blessings to you and yours
My chickens pretty much free roam our 3.5 lots and I do keep their feed bucket in place with TSC's layer feed . Of course laying has slowed it's cold out and natural light is limited. We are getting about 4-5 eggs daily from our 12 hens which is just enough for our family of 5 to not have to buy from the store. When it warms up they will pick back up I'm sure.
I appreciate your level headed and helpful approach to this concerning issue. Learning the "old ways" are skills that many have no experience in yet. Learning will get us farther ahead. You do a wonderful service of providing valuable information and know how. Thank you.
constance, i am excited for you your move and new adventures the new learning curve because there's always a learning curve when you move.and your right the last 3 years have taught us we can not rely on the things we could in the past and folks are going to have to rethink a lot of things.
Like you, we don't buy commercial feed from Tractor Supply. We buy from a local small business who manufactures there own. We still suffered with the drastic decline in egg production. Personally I'm of the theory the extreme early freeze, which sent our chickens into a molt, was the culprit.
I love your faith and your honesty. This new journey will be exciting. I am originally from Arkansas. Love the Ozark Mountains and Missouri Boot hills. Spent a lot of time in Mountain Home, Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, etc. The lady I buy eggs from has a shortage every year around December through January. They even molt their feathers. By the end of January they always start laying again.
Missouri boot hills? There's more than one boot hill in Missouri? You know there's not actually many hills in the Missouri boothill, though, right? For claiming to be loving something I'd think you would know more about it.
I agreed with what you said about the feed. I think companies are cutting back, which is affecting them. I work in a grocery store doing resets. Many of the resets we do are including items that have been cut back in size.
Our chickens as always stopped laying after molting and in the late fall/winter due to less daylight hours. They're already back to laying every day, no issues with our feed!
We where using the said food in question and the girls and also the ducks just didn't seem happy and molts where taking forever. We have a mixed flock of chickens in various age stages but no eggs what so ever. We do feed additional kitchen scraps, and they have full access to our garden beds and compost in the winter months. On days we gave them cat food they would lay a few eggs. We finally gave up and bought feed from a local feed mill as well as a bunch of whole grains. I've been fermenting a mix of layer mash and whole grains and within 24 hours of the feed change they started producing eggs. I've also started growing fodder for them and hope in the next few days, I'll have a tray to feed to them. With all our new feed the girls are chirpy, happy and just seem so much more content and absolutely love the food they are getting.
We kept a light on in the hen house to keep them warm and for better egg production in the winter, fed them chops and oyster shells and they did great!
Thanks for keeping us posted during this very busy time! Can't wait to see the cabin. I'm originally from the PNW, and lived in a rustic cabin growing up, and hope to return to something like that again someday.
I use only Nutrena feed. My hens are a bit on the old side so it's hard for me to figure out volume. I was getting 1-2 eggs per day in December. My feed store owner told me to try one bag of Gamebird Conditioner and see if they start to lay. Bingo. It kicked them into gear. So after that bag, I went back to Nutrena scratch and 16% layer feed. Eggs dropped again. I got another bag of conditioner! And, in 15 years of having many chickens I have rarely had chickens moult. This year EVERY chicken, rooster and turkey moulted! It was really ugly around here! So long story longer, I have no answer either. But my husband wants me to get grain and mix it myself. Perhaps I'll try it soon. * I have about 50 chickens and 17 turkey. Everyone free ranges.
Thank you so much for saying "I don't know". We have also dealt with a lack of eggs however, this is normal! It is nice to hear someone else talk about the normal life and production of a chicken!
I use the feed from tractor supply, my girls laid eggs all winter, I only had 2 days in the middle of December where they didn’t lay an egg but other than that I’ve been blessed with healthy chickens. I was thinking that it was due to the colder than average winters across America this year.
I really like that creaking in the background during this video. It reminded me of someone swaying back and forth across a well worn porch on an old rickety wooden swing held up by chain link, on a hot lazy summer day... Very soothing 😊 Keep safe under the strong protective arms of our wonderful King JESUS CHRIST my beloved sister 🙏🏼 Evil is afoot... Don't forget to bless your new home with anointing oil over your windows and doors to keep out what needs to stay out 🕊️ May our Heavenly Father bless yall with an easy move Constance 🌹 All my love 💕
Wanted to welcome you to Arkansas. We live in Conway, which is north of Little Rock. We have to keep a good eye on our chickens here. We have chicken hawks bad. Not sure if you had to deal with them in Alabama or not. God Bless your new journey.
We experienced a drop off from feed. I have first year hens and they lay throughout their first year. I changed their feed, and they are back to laying regular. I also know others whose flocks are off.
just an FYI, there is a local Farmer's Co-op near the area that you are moving to. Look them up. They are on facebook, but they don't really have a webpage to search. They have several locations all around the area so look those up for a great source of feeds and other gardening and farming/homesteading supplies. Chick days are coming to them starting this month too. My local one even has a delivery service so it's very convenient for those larger orders like straw, gravel, mulch etc. As for me, I did have those same issues with my own chickens. I had actually stopped using the TSC feed and started using the Co-0p feed instead a few weeks before this all came out just because I needed things that TSC couldn't supply so I have not used their brands and I am still getting eggs. Granted, I do free range my chickens, ducks and turkey as well as kitchen scraps. I have even been known to cook up a lot of rice just as a treat for them. Again, Welcome to Arkansas!
The feed company should have been honest saying they couldn’t get the same ingredients if that is what happened.....but $$$. Anyway...I LOVE YOUR APRONS! This is my first time seeing your channel.
You are a wealth of information (and I can tell, experience, as well). Thanks for such encouraging, clear, informative and enjoyable content! I'm a city "girl" but my mom was sure to have her own chickens (in our back yard, in the city! amazing, right?) I'm at the age where I am being "pulled" into being more "in touch" with at least making an effort to know and maybe be involved with, what I'm consuming (in all ways). Just found your channel and you are a joy to watch. Your confidence is inspiring.
I had to stop the feed from tsc . And glad I did I’m now getting eggs again they stopped in mid September till last part of Jan when I switched over to Amish feed mill feed . I just knew it was that feed. And it was I have 26 chickens and they all stopped laying and hat I thought was molting was but they was eating the other girls feathers as well I was so worried . GODBLESS sweetie
I agree with you that with the supply issues they are probably struggling with quality. A lot of the feed is stuck on the Mississippi which can’t be moved at the moment. Relying on a commercial feed alone is scary. We have been looking to other ways to supplement. Like Comfrey. Grow it and dehydrate for the winter. It is high protein. Check out Perma Pasture farms.
Respectfully, may I say. I have 24 girls, 2 roos each year I get some new girls that lay a different color so i can track, who's still laying, and who has gone into retirement. We live in beautiful frozen icy northern Michigan. Every winter, even in the sub-zero weather, (my coop has no electricity or heat running to it due to fire danger or if they're used to being heated and our power failed they would die not being able to adjust to the sudden cold). I would still get 3 or 4 eggs per day even in deep winter, sometimes even frozen cracked eggs. I haven't had a single egg, not even a measly broken shell since well before Thanksgiving. I get feed from tsc as well as Farm and family. I was even getting the higher protein game bird feed. Nothing has helped, my next move is going to be trying some goat feed. I also supplement food scraps. This is just what I've personally noticed, and honestly was thinking I was losing my marbles, then I started hearing about so many other people having the same issue.
excited for you and your move. We downsized 1,000 sqft but I kept a lot of furniture just to make sure it would or wouldn't fit the space. Once I was able to work with all of the items and decide which ones fit and I loved the most I was then able to sell or donate the rest. Just a suggestion. Our chickens slowed down, but we are still getting eggs. Thankfully! I did water glass some this summer and haven't had to get into them yet. blessings
I'm sure you meant well by your comments about chickens naturally slowing down in egg production during the winter. but, those of us affected by the tainted feed knew that already. What we weren't expecting was zero eggs, and also lethargy and slowness in our birds. We don't usually feed them commercial feed but had to in order to train them to eat pelletized feed in automatic feeders so we could be away for a family emergency. We didn't bank on them going downhill health wise for a couple of months. After we switched back to our normal feed, they were active, happy and laying eggs again.
I was not at all dismissing the concerns. What I shared was more for those who might be new to chickens. I 100% believe there could be something going on.
That is very true about the same factory making both the name brand and the store brand. There is a cookie factory in Rialto, CA. that makes cookies for both name brand and store brands. They are equally good. So it would hold true for animal food too.
All of the normal factors for wintering chickens have been addressed. It’s the feed. You change the feed, the chickens begin laying. Simple as that. 🤷♀️wish it were not so, but there it is.
Thank you. Yes, as Nicki stated, I made it. This was actually the first one I ever made like this. I have a tutorial here: th-cam.com/video/FbnqfVF0E5Y/w-d-xo.html
I read or heard what it could possibly be on “KC Littleowl” channel, on her video 2 days ago that the amino acid has been takin out of feed and chickens need amino acid to produce eggs.
My friend has been feeding TS feed to her chickens for years and has an egg business. Her egg production has been the same as it has been in previous years.
Most are buying PP brand of feed that is sold at TS stores thats affecting their flocks. Too many instances to be saying "its just the weather " and then the major egg producer in US burns down over the weekend. No such things as. Coincidence.
@@venicemitchell1407 IF they are NOT providing artificial lighting or their birds are a year old, then YES, it IS the time of year/weather. It is NORMAL. Been raising chickens for years and so has my friend. And yes, she uses PP.
I've now changed feed three times. From Dumore to two other totally unrelated supplies, including a local feed supplier. Still no change in egg production. It's winter. Plus, where I live, we have had mostly overcast sky since the beginning of December. All total we've probably had only 7-10 days of sun in two months. On those days, production goes up! It's winter! We have more then 10" of snow on the ground so there is nothing for them to free-range on! Unless the feed is bad across multiple suppliers!
Purina makes it. #offgridwithdougandstacy put out another video about it the other day. I've talked to people who were seeing a big decline in egg production in late summer, way before winter. As soon as they stopped using Producers Pride and switched to something else, egg production immediately increased. It's Dumor and Producers Pride. I don't have chickens yet, unfortunately, but we can't let them free range where we live. So I must do my due diligence to prepare for their needs in advance. Like, fermenting feed.
We buy Nutrena from TSC which is a higher end Cargill brand. We had a normal decline as daylight waned late in the fall, and they have resumed normally for January. Our chickens forage every day, even with snow, they have places that won’t get snowy under things that they can dig around. Not sure what to think about what folks are reporting.
You are looking tired ! Living in the Ozarks is pretty and quiet but is alot of work. We have been her for 19 years and boy it has aged us. We wanted to retire here but I work harder here than when I worked a job. Hope you can stay strong and it's easier on you than me, 🙏
I use Powell and Nutrena feed. I can’t free range. I expect the winter lull but I was getting maybe 2 eggs/wk from 13 layers. These girls are 2-3 yrs old. BUT I did bump their protein with Grubbly treats and within a week I had normal egg production. Good tip with the cat food. I’m about to do some lentil fodder. I read somewhere there was an alfalfa shortage and producers had to change their formulas. Idk but I also don’t believe in coincidence. If they knew their feed was lesser quality - they should’ve been up front about it.
When you drain the fat from your meat save it and give it to your girls. The fat helps them to keep themselves warmer. Kitchen scraps give your ladies diverse nutrition. Feed right be for they head back to the coop. Rotate feed use a different brand every time. We felt a while ago that no company's brand has everything they need so to ensure their health we rotate feed each bag. Local and a commercial. This made a big difference on many levels. Also when we have canned food on the verge we let them make eggs out of it. Tuna past it's date is too strong for my liking. Girls love it though. Girls have done well enough considering the season. We also dump soil inside the coop saved from summer and it has bugs waiting out the winter for them to scratch though and eat. Of course I have a tiny flock and these ideas may not work if you have many birds. But...in these times we must be creative.
So we used TSC s Producers Pride Chicken feed. All of a sudden we started not gettin no eggs n this was in Spring.. We heard of this n switched feeds to a mill. ... we started getting eggs again... that was back th. Couple of. Months ago went back to Pride... startin gettin np eggs again.. with all thats happening now days. I believe they are doin something to cause this
My chicken are laying an egg a day. I do not buy cheap food. You get what you pay for and $14. For 40lb bag is not good feed. Chickens need to free range too.
It's not unreasonable to think there has been a problem with the feed. In the UK we had similar problems with potting compost, which gets contaminated with persistent pesticides. It is a real problem and we always do a "germination test" on every batch we buy. It is entirely possible that shortages have lead to substitutions made in the formulation that has allowed contamination of the whole supply chain of some producers. That's what we call the "cock up not conspiracy" route in the UK. Of course, anything is possible in this crazy world. In China there was an awful situation where baby formula was deliberately mixed with ground up melamine (plastic) because it was cheap. These things do happen.
Okay I made the same assumption about winter until they were locked in due to snow in Arkansas. I couldn't let them out and I realized they refused to eat the feed anymore. It was making them sick and they knew it. It's not even same brand others talk about. It was ranch pro from Atwood's. They were begging to come out but I needed to make repairs and they were starving themselves and refused to eat it. Brand new bag. No smell. Yes their egg production was almost zero. I thought it was normal but I was wrong. I started mixing homemade feed and I'm getting more eggs than I've gotten in months! Our youngest hen who could hardly walk, likely deficient in something, is up and playing, and another sickly hen is happy again. They were not getting basic nutrition. I always supplemented with higher end food but it wasn't enough. And the cold, wet, less light has NOTHING to do with it. I used to buy into that too, but not anymore. Not to this extreme. There's still ice melting and wet everywhere and cold and I'm getting more eggs than I've gotten since last spring. A comment on homestead heart someone said they had their feed tested and it had 1/2 the protein stated on bag which is a crime.
I actually think you would have the option of getting the greenhouse moved by the folks that built it. I was going to ask my son about it when he was here last weekend but forgot. However I don't know how cost effective it would be. I know the feeling of leaving it behind. I had to leave mine in Tx and now will have only a very small one .
I agree - winter is hard on eggs, but mine stopped laying in August after buying a new bag of DuMor from tractor Supply. I hadn’t heard anything at all about this issue until a few days ago but after scratching our heads for months when we heard about this a light bulb went off. Conspiracy? Who knows these days. We returned one unopened bag and went to our local feed store. I’ll let y’all know if they start laying again. But then everyone will say, yes but it’s spring - lol lol lol All I know is if those who have large flocks of layers and are well seasoned farmers are noticing a difference- y’all?????
My understanding is that Dumor, Producer's Pride and another brand - Nutrena? are all made by the same company. All the brands that TSC sells if I remember correctly. I have heard that it is chicken owners of all size. I would be curious what a lab would say about the nutritional content of the feed, to know if something was off or lacking. Like I mentioned though, we get our feed from a local supplier and have had no issues at all.
You had me at er er er er errrrr. I'm just wondering if maybe the feed was aging due to sitting in shipments that didn't get shipped for a long time. I switched mine 2 weeks ago and just started getting eggs again 2 days ago.
Yes always buy local on everything. And I believe there is a co-op there in your new town beside the Arkansas Tech campus. I’ve been through Franklin county a few times. Yes though buy everything local and avoid conspiracy junk.
You new home sounds like you’ll be living a dream! Thanks for the nice mental images of your new home. As far as the feed conspiracy goes, thank you for your voice of reason. Sometimes, for whatever reason, whenever something happens, there are those who tend toward “the sky is falling!!” Mentality with our taking time to think things through. I’m an old granny, and have to believe that a huge company who associates their name to something like feed will be extremely careful with whatever they produce. And I have to wonder if anyone has had their feed tested, called local extension office to check if they’ve heard about any issues with TSC chicken feed? Enjoy your supper!
I hit liked and made the number 666. I sure hope someone comes along soon to like and change that number. Homesteaders have so much to teach us suburban people. Along with good books to educate. We need to change our lives to be self sufficient. In away we are going back to the days when our grandparents did the very same thing homesteaders are doing today. Can I say without criticism that this is a good thing.
We use Powell Feeds and we have been having the same issues. Powell makes their own feed, but still we are only getting a few eggs on good days. I am using starter feed for the last two days, thinking maybe they need more protein. I did find four eggs this morning, but I got zero eggs yesterday. I guess time will tell.
I am so sick and tired of people saying the reason for the egg drop is due to the winter time and talking to all of us that have chickens like we don’t know anything about it. We know that the chickens slow down laying eggs in the winter. My husband and I experienced this with the feed and it’s not a conspiracy theory it is true. We change the feed from tractor supply and within two days we were back up to normal. It’s not just a coincidence and it’s not the winter time. Just because some of your pros are not experiencing it doesn’t mean it’s not so.
I personally haven't gotten a single egg and I don't buy tractor supply feed they are usually $10+ more a bag. Haven't gotten eggs from ducks, chickens, or bantams. The bantams quit laying in November about a month behind the others. Not a single ensie Weensie egg in months. I was feeding a cheap 16% from a local ag store then switched to a 20%..... 4 bags later still NO EGGS!!!! However, I have one rogue hen who refuses to stay penned with her chicken friends and thinks she is a guinea. I see her snacking on cat food occasionally.. She has been laying for a while every day. Next week everyone is going to go back to free ranging. And everyone is getting a little cat food snack mixed into the feed pan.
![HIWWHEE | OHM [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OJJLtTLqLag/mqdefault.jpg)
We experienced this conspiracy on a personal level. We used tractor supplies feed this past 6 months and we have 40 chickens. We were going crazy wondering, why are we only getting like 1 or 2 eggs a day, on a good day? Then we heard about the feed theory on youtube from another homesteader. We switched our feed and that week our egg production exploded. I can attest on a personal level that is was definitely the feed.
We were also supplementing with meal worms in attempts to up their protein hoping it would encourage egg production to no avail.
@@sammim4213 we were too and same thing. Doesn’t seem like just a protein issue. All I know is I will never buy a thing from Tractor Supply again.
@@skittlesskittles7577 I'm with you. After the drag queen story made the news I was upset with them and now this!
Rotate, and never trust one brand again.
@@his-sweetie I do agree, and the original feed was Tractor Supply, so we will not be using their feed again.
Constance - I agree that chickens do lay less in the winter. But - check this out: the local family I buy meat and eggs from have 400 chickens that stopped laying in Oct and haven't laid an egg since. Their chickens are free range and get very little feed; however, the little bit of feed has affected every chicken. This is happening to many of the farmers around them. I do indeed believe the feed is being 'messed' with. I am praying God will bless each farmer and homesteader. I know y'all need God's protection and blessings.
you are correct. Purina animal feeds, owned by land o lakes, is now in the egg business. their facilities went online in September. SO just a "coincidence" I guess when every bodies chickens stopped Purina has about 10 different feed "labels" they produce for. tractor supply being one of them. which TS is owned by Wal-Mart. the rabbit hole gets really deep in this. and plenty of evidence out there.
Yes! My flock stopped in October as well. I usually still get a couple every few days through the winter but I got nothing. I switched to my local farm co-op 4 days ago and yesterday I got 7 eggs on a day with highs in the 20s and overcast all day!!! Something is definitely not right. There are several videos of people going down the rabbit hole on this and proving it.
Find a local feed store. The prices for local feed is usually a lot less. I have been using a mfa feed store and have not had a huge cut back on the egg production. We have had some due to the winter time but we are still getting enough.
@@Mindy56743 I switched to the local farm co-op and the feed is more expensive but my girls are laying so it’s worth it
@@starrmiller8737 homestead heart has a channel and the large flocks they have had stopped laying around October as well using PP chicken feed. Yes, something has been done to the feed, and shes in Georgia.
My cousin has chickens and she has shared the same story. Switched feed and their chickens are back to laying eggs now.
So glad this world is not my home... I'm just passing through. My chickens love sardines in water! Helps boost protein and really helps during a hard molt. The world looks bleak but what an awesome time to live and share the gospel. God is not surprised... He's in complete control... And that gives me peace.
It happened to us. We've raised chickens for almost 15 years and never experienced our hens completely stop laying for over three months. We changed their feed and they immediately started laying. I live in the south, so winters don't get as cold for our girls.
I use TS feed and I'm still getting the same amount of winter time eggs. I've been around this TH-cam homesteading community for years. Chickens who stop laying has always been an ongoing issue. A lot of times changing feed does help, maybe they grow tired of the taste or the formula does change because suppliers change. A lot of times just adding some corn or the black oil seeds will get them laying again in the winter. All normal stuff.
Thanks for sharing.
WELCOME to the Beautiful state of ARKANSAS! WOOOO PIG SOOIE! There are LOADS of coyotes in the Ozarks, I live about 25 minutes outside of Harrison and just up off the Buffalo River, and I deal with them continually. I do free range my birds for the most part, but on days when I know the coyotes are more likely to be around, I keep them in their yard. Late December through Early March is coyote breeding season and the puppies are born around 2 months later and that is when the pack will ramp up their hunting. They are smart animals and seem to learn patterns and because of this I learned to vary my schedule as far as when I release my birds to roam. I try to never release my birds at the same time of day several days in a row and if I'm gonna be gone for the day I do not release them at all. I have a 'Freedom Stick' leaning up at each door for easy access in the event we do spot a coyote. We have game cameras up, as do our neighbors, and that allows us to know what time of day the coyotes are in the area, and which direction they come from, which is also helpful.
We have been so blessed to get one egg per hen all winter here in mid Ohio even in the negative temps. So happy to get these jewels daily. We Dont use TS feed. Ours LOVE food scraps, especially bread and pizza. ❤😂
l have always raised my chickens in their natural environment = no lights in winter, lots of hay and shavings for bedding in their chicken house, free range in the afternoon, and locked up at night to protect them from predators. I let those who get eggs from me know the girls are on 'vacation' for a few months. Then i wait for the 'more than 1 egg a day' to come, just like I wait for Spring to get the garden really going!
By the way, I love your apron!
Doug and Stacy video yesterday,,a gal did the research on feed, who owns feed Co., who they are in ownership with. ,the largest egg producer in the country!!
The love of money...
The company you purchased it from most likely will move it for you. When I moved the barn company we purchased came and moved it to my new home. The fee to move it was reasonable.
I have chickens and like you I purchase from a local feed mill. I also make sure to give my chickens warm water twice a day!! They slowed down a little during the Christmas storm but have recovered nicely now!!
Why warm water?
@@angeleye4253 it helps keep them warm so it doesn’t take so much of their energy needs to do so. Plus it keeps them drinking and hydrated.
@@amytinney3729 Thx!.
The Mindful Homestead here on TH-cam has a really good explanation on what's good going on.
Calcium such as crushed oyster shells too, in addition to protein.
Constance may Yah keep you in His loving care while you travel back and forth between your two homes.
Thank you!
Constance
I'm so happy for your future plans in following God's Will for you and your Family
Especially for Willow. I couldn't wait for you to say they were also coming with you. Phew! This is such an Adventure for you all and can't wait to experience Life in the Ozarks. Thanks for all the good times you shared in Alabama. Now turning to a new chapter I'm sure it will be Magical. Blessings to you and yours
Yes🎉that is great, I agree, happy that y’all will be together
Thank you for sharing✌️🇺🇸❤️
Doug and Stacy have a good feed mix that they make themselves.👍👍
Totally agree. Learn to care for yourselves and your animals without a store.
I had NO IDEA chickens ate mice,moles or voles. Wow you learn something new everyday!
My chickens pretty much free roam our 3.5 lots and I do keep their feed bucket in place with TSC's layer feed . Of course laying has slowed it's cold out and natural light is limited. We are getting about 4-5 eggs daily from our 12 hens which is just enough for our family of 5 to not have to buy from the store. When it warms up they will pick back up I'm sure.
I appreciate your level headed and helpful approach to this concerning issue. Learning the "old ways" are skills that many have no experience in yet. Learning will get us farther ahead. You do a wonderful service of providing valuable information and know how. Thank you.
constance, i am excited for you your move and new adventures the new learning curve because there's always a learning curve when you move.and your right the last 3 years have taught us we can not rely on the things we could in the past and folks are going to have to rethink a lot of things.
So excited for you and your mountain adventure. I can relate with you on so many life situations. Best wishes for y’all.
Like you, we don't buy commercial feed from Tractor Supply. We buy from a local small business who manufactures there own. We still suffered with the drastic decline in egg production. Personally I'm of the theory the extreme early freeze, which sent our chickens into a molt, was the culprit.
I am so glad that you and Mr. Smith are moving to the great state of Arkansas.
I love your faith and your honesty. This new journey will be exciting. I am originally from Arkansas. Love the Ozark Mountains and Missouri Boot hills. Spent a lot of time in Mountain Home, Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, etc. The lady I buy eggs from has a shortage every year around December through January. They even molt their feathers. By the end of January they always start laying again.
Missouri boot hills? There's more than one boot hill in Missouri? You know there's not actually many hills in the Missouri boothill, though, right? For claiming to be loving something I'd think you would know more about it.
@@cht7380 You are pretty rude!
I agreed with what you said about the feed. I think companies are cutting back, which is affecting them. I work in a grocery store doing resets. Many of the resets we do are including items that have been cut back in size.
Orscheln was acquired by TSC this summer so anyone purchasing feed there may want to pay attention, just in case.
Great words of wisdom
Our chickens as always stopped laying after molting and in the late fall/winter due to less daylight hours. They're already back to laying every day, no issues with our feed!
I use Scratch and Peck with Grubs.
We where using the said food in question and the girls and also the ducks just didn't seem happy and molts where taking forever. We have a mixed flock of chickens in various age stages but no eggs what so ever. We do feed additional kitchen scraps, and they have full access to our garden beds and compost in the winter months. On days we gave them cat food they would lay a few eggs. We finally gave up and bought feed from a local feed mill as well as a bunch of whole grains. I've been fermenting a mix of layer mash and whole grains and within 24 hours of the feed change they started producing eggs. I've also started growing fodder for them and hope in the next few days, I'll have a tray to feed to them. With all our new feed the girls are chirpy, happy and just seem so much more content and absolutely love the food they are getting.
We kept a light on in the hen house to keep them warm and for better egg production in the winter, fed them chops and oyster shells and they did great!
Thank you for your sensible and reasonable explanation of the feed situation. I'm glad I've subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for keeping us posted during this very busy time! Can't wait to see the cabin. I'm originally from the PNW, and lived in a rustic cabin growing up, and hope to return to something like that again someday.
Thank you, for all the info Constance. Looking forward to seeing your new home. Have a peaceful evening. 😊🌿🕊📖🙏🏻✝️🧎♀️
I use only Nutrena feed. My hens are a bit on the old side so it's hard for me to figure out volume. I was getting 1-2 eggs per day in December. My feed store owner told me to try one bag of Gamebird Conditioner and see if they start to lay. Bingo. It kicked them into gear. So after that bag, I went back to Nutrena scratch and 16% layer feed. Eggs dropped again. I got another bag of conditioner! And, in 15 years of having many chickens I have rarely had chickens moult. This year EVERY chicken, rooster and turkey moulted! It was really ugly around here! So long story longer, I have no answer either. But my husband wants me to get grain and mix it myself. Perhaps I'll try it soon. * I have about 50 chickens and 17 turkey. Everyone free ranges.
Thanks for sharing Constance.❤
Thank you so much for saying "I don't know". We have also dealt with a lack of eggs however, this is normal! It is nice to hear someone else talk about the normal life and production of a chicken!
Cat food, now that is helpful to learn and got to tell family and friends about that 😊
Thank you for sharing.
I use the feed from tractor supply, my girls laid eggs all winter, I only had 2 days in the middle of December where they didn’t lay an egg but other than that I’ve been blessed with healthy chickens. I was thinking that it was due to the colder than average winters across America this year.
I really like that creaking in the background during this video. It reminded me of someone swaying back and forth across a well worn porch on an old rickety wooden swing held up by chain link, on a hot lazy summer day... Very soothing 😊 Keep safe under the strong protective arms of our wonderful King JESUS CHRIST my beloved sister 🙏🏼 Evil is afoot... Don't forget to bless your new home with anointing oil over your windows and doors to keep out what needs to stay out 🕊️ May our Heavenly Father bless yall with an easy move Constance 🌹 All my love 💕
Wanted to welcome you to Arkansas. We live in Conway, which is north of Little Rock. We have to keep a good eye on our chickens here. We have chicken hawks bad. Not sure if you had to deal with them in Alabama or not. God Bless your new journey.
We experienced a drop off from feed. I have first year hens and they lay throughout their first year. I changed their feed, and they are back to laying regular. I also know others whose flocks are off.
just an FYI, there is a local Farmer's Co-op near the area that you are moving to. Look them up. They are on facebook, but they don't really have a webpage to search. They have several locations all around the area so look those up for a great source of feeds and other gardening and farming/homesteading supplies. Chick days are coming to them starting this month too.
My local one even has a delivery service so it's very convenient for those larger orders like straw, gravel, mulch etc. As for me, I did have those same issues with my own chickens. I had actually stopped using the TSC feed and started using the Co-0p feed instead a few weeks before this all came out just because I needed things that TSC couldn't supply so I have not used their brands and I am still getting eggs. Granted, I do free range my chickens, ducks and turkey as well as kitchen scraps. I have even been known to cook up a lot of rice just as a treat for them. Again, Welcome to Arkansas!
My egg production decreased a little. I planned for it. I froze extras. My girls were 1 year layers. No have no older hens. Who knows what's going on.
Buckeyes are great foragers, as well as dual purpose meat/eggs.
The feed company should have been honest saying they couldn’t get the same ingredients if that is what happened.....but $$$. Anyway...I LOVE YOUR APRONS! This is my first time seeing your channel.
You are a wealth of information (and I can tell, experience, as well). Thanks for such encouraging, clear, informative and enjoyable content! I'm a city "girl" but my mom was sure to have her own chickens (in our back yard, in the city! amazing, right?) I'm at the age where I am being "pulled" into being more "in touch" with at least making an effort to know and maybe be involved with, what I'm consuming (in all ways). Just found your channel and you are a joy to watch. Your confidence is inspiring.
Thank you
Chickens love fish too!!
I had to stop the feed from tsc . And glad I did I’m now getting eggs again they stopped in mid September till last part of Jan when I switched over to Amish feed mill feed . I just knew it was that feed. And it was I have 26 chickens and they all stopped laying and hat I thought was molting was but they was eating the other girls feathers as well I was so worried . GODBLESS sweetie
I agree with you that with the supply issues they are probably struggling with quality. A lot of the feed is stuck on the Mississippi which can’t be moved at the moment. Relying on a commercial feed alone is scary. We have been looking to other ways to supplement.
Like Comfrey. Grow it and dehydrate for the winter. It is high protein. Check out Perma Pasture farms.
Respectfully, may I say. I have 24 girls, 2 roos each year I get some new girls that lay a different color so i can track, who's still laying, and who has gone into retirement. We live in beautiful frozen icy northern Michigan. Every winter, even in the sub-zero weather, (my coop has no electricity or heat running to it due to fire danger or if they're used to being heated and our power failed they would die not being able to adjust to the sudden cold). I would still get 3 or 4 eggs per day even in deep winter, sometimes even frozen cracked eggs. I haven't had a single egg, not even a measly broken shell since well before Thanksgiving. I get feed from tsc as well as Farm and family. I was even getting the higher protein game bird feed. Nothing has helped, my next move is going to be trying some goat feed. I also supplement food scraps. This is just what I've personally noticed, and honestly was thinking I was losing my marbles, then I started hearing about so many other people having the same issue.
excited for you and your move. We downsized 1,000 sqft but I kept a lot of furniture just to make sure it would or wouldn't fit the space. Once I was able to work with all of the items and decide which ones fit and I loved the most I was then able to sell or donate the rest. Just a suggestion. Our chickens slowed down, but we are still getting eggs. Thankfully! I did water glass some this summer and haven't had to get into them yet. blessings
I'm sure you meant well by your comments about chickens naturally slowing down in egg production during the winter. but, those of us affected by the tainted feed knew that already. What we weren't expecting was zero eggs, and also lethargy and slowness in our birds. We don't usually feed them commercial feed but had to in order to train them to eat pelletized feed in automatic feeders so we could be away for a family emergency. We didn't bank on them going downhill health wise for a couple of months. After we switched back to our normal feed, they were active, happy and laying eggs again.
I was not at all dismissing the concerns. What I shared was more for those who might be new to chickens. I 100% believe there could be something going on.
That is very true about the same factory making both the name brand and the store brand. There is a cookie factory in Rialto, CA. that makes cookies for both name brand and store brands. They are equally good. So it would hold true for animal food too.
Off grid with Doug and Stacy E just put out a video today about chicken feed go look at it
All of the normal factors for wintering chickens have been addressed. It’s the feed. You change the feed, the chickens begin laying. Simple as that. 🤷♀️wish it were not so, but there it is.
the same company that sale the greenhouse delivers them if you ask.
Cute apron!
I really like your apron! Where did you get it? TFS Debbie
Not sure about this one, but, She makes them and has a video showing how.
Thank you. Yes, as Nicki stated, I made it. This was actually the first one I ever made like this. I have a tutorial here: th-cam.com/video/FbnqfVF0E5Y/w-d-xo.html
Great information, thank you!
Rubbing eggs in mineral oil can preserve them for up to a year.
This is happening nationwide. Something just isn’t right.
I can't wait to see the new house!!!!!
Same here🎉
I have very nutty chickens, they don/t eat 80% from my kitchen scraps.
Thanks for the great information! Everything seems to be a conspiracy these days. ❤️
I read or heard what it could possibly be on “KC Littleowl” channel, on her video 2 days ago that the amino acid has been takin out of feed and chickens need amino acid to produce eggs.
We're from N.E Arkansas. Welcome!
My friend has been feeding TS feed to her chickens for years and has an egg business. Her egg production has been the same as it has been in previous years.
Most are buying PP brand of feed that is sold at TS stores thats affecting their flocks. Too many instances to be saying "its just the weather " and then the major egg producer in US burns down over the weekend. No such things as. Coincidence.
@@venicemitchell1407 IF they are NOT providing artificial lighting or their birds are a year old, then YES, it IS the time of year/weather. It is NORMAL. Been raising chickens for years and so has my friend. And yes, she uses PP.
I've now changed feed three times. From Dumore to two other totally unrelated supplies, including a local feed supplier. Still no change in egg production. It's winter. Plus, where I live, we have had mostly overcast sky since the beginning of December. All total we've probably had only 7-10 days of sun in two months. On those days, production goes up! It's winter! We have more then 10" of snow on the ground so there is nothing for them to free-range on! Unless the feed is bad across multiple suppliers!
Purina makes it. #offgridwithdougandstacy put out another video about it the other day. I've talked to people who were seeing a big decline in egg production in late summer, way before winter. As soon as they stopped using Producers Pride and switched to something else, egg production immediately increased. It's Dumor and Producers Pride. I don't have chickens yet, unfortunately, but we can't let them free range where we live. So I must do my due diligence to prepare for their needs in advance. Like, fermenting feed.
As a 22yr veteran nothing surprises me, it wouldn’t shock me in the lest if it’s all profit bast.
We buy Nutrena from TSC which is a higher end Cargill brand. We had a normal decline as daylight waned late in the fall, and they have resumed normally for January. Our chickens forage every day, even with snow, they have places that won’t get snowy under things that they can dig around. Not sure what to think about what folks are reporting.
You are looking tired ! Living in the Ozarks is pretty and quiet but is alot of work. We have been her for 19 years and boy it has aged us. We wanted to retire here but I work harder here than when I worked a job. Hope you can stay strong and it's easier on you than me, 🙏
I use Powell and Nutrena feed. I can’t free range. I expect the winter lull but I was getting maybe 2 eggs/wk from 13 layers. These girls are 2-3 yrs old. BUT I did bump their protein with Grubbly treats and within a week I had normal egg production. Good tip with the cat food. I’m about to do some lentil fodder. I read somewhere there was an alfalfa shortage and producers had to change their formulas. Idk but I also don’t believe in coincidence. If they knew their feed was lesser quality - they should’ve been up front about it.
Love your apron. Do you have a pattern?
Cat food..yes I have used that too!
We just switched to a chicken feed made by our local Mennonite family farm. It’s cheaper.
Why did you choose Arkansas over Alabama for home schooling? You had a beautiful homestead.
When you drain the fat from your meat save it and give it to your girls. The fat helps them to keep themselves warmer. Kitchen scraps give your ladies diverse nutrition. Feed right be for they head back to the coop. Rotate feed use a different brand every time. We felt a while ago that no company's brand has everything they need so to ensure their health we rotate feed each bag. Local and a commercial. This made a big difference on many levels. Also when we have canned food on the verge we let them make eggs out of it. Tuna past it's date is too strong for my liking. Girls love it though. Girls have done well enough considering the season. We also dump soil inside the coop saved from summer and it has bugs waiting out the winter for them to scratch though and eat. Of course I have a tiny flock and these ideas may not work if you have many birds. But...in these times we must be creative.
So we used TSC s Producers Pride Chicken feed. All of a sudden we started not gettin no eggs n this was in Spring.. We heard of this n switched feeds to a mill. ... we started getting eggs again... that was back th. Couple of. Months ago went back to Pride... startin gettin np eggs again.. with all thats happening now days. I believe they are doin something to cause this
My chicken are laying an egg a day. I do not buy cheap food. You get what you pay for and $14. For 40lb bag is not good feed. Chickens need to free range too.
It's not unreasonable to think there has been a problem with the feed. In the UK we had similar problems with potting compost, which gets contaminated with persistent pesticides. It is a real problem and we always do a "germination test" on every batch we buy. It is entirely possible that shortages have lead to substitutions made in the formulation that has allowed contamination of the whole supply chain of some producers. That's what we call the "cock up not conspiracy" route in the UK. Of course, anything is possible in this crazy world.
In China there was an awful situation where baby formula was deliberately mixed with ground up melamine (plastic) because it was cheap. These things do happen.
We live in NW Arkansas. Welcome to the Natural State!
Okay I made the same assumption about winter until they were locked in due to snow in Arkansas. I couldn't let them out and I realized they refused to eat the feed anymore. It was making them sick and they knew it. It's not even same brand others talk about. It was ranch pro from Atwood's. They were begging to come out but I needed to make repairs and they were starving themselves and refused to eat it. Brand new bag. No smell. Yes their egg production was almost zero. I thought it was normal but I was wrong. I started mixing homemade feed and I'm getting more eggs than I've gotten in months! Our youngest hen who could hardly walk, likely deficient in something, is up and playing, and another sickly hen is happy again. They were not getting basic nutrition. I always supplemented with higher end food but it wasn't enough. And the cold, wet, less light has NOTHING to do with it. I used to buy into that too, but not anymore. Not to this extreme. There's still ice melting and wet everywhere and cold and I'm getting more eggs than I've gotten since last spring. A comment on homestead heart someone said they had their feed tested and it had 1/2 the protein stated on bag which is a crime.
I’m hearing many reports like this
I actually think you would have the option of getting the greenhouse moved by the folks that built it. I was going to ask my son about it when he was here last weekend but forgot. However I don't know how cost effective it would be. I know the feeling of leaving it behind. I had to leave mine in Tx and now will have only a very small one .
I agree - winter is hard on eggs, but mine stopped laying in August after buying a new bag of DuMor from tractor Supply.
I hadn’t heard anything at all about this issue until a few days ago but after scratching our heads for months when we heard about this a light bulb went off. Conspiracy? Who knows these days. We returned one unopened bag and went to our local feed store. I’ll let y’all know if they start laying again. But then everyone will say, yes but it’s spring - lol lol lol
All I know is if those who have large flocks of layers and are well seasoned farmers are noticing a difference- y’all?????
My understanding is that Dumor, Producer's Pride and another brand - Nutrena? are all made by the same company. All the brands that TSC sells if I remember correctly. I have heard that it is chicken owners of all size. I would be curious what a lab would say about the nutritional content of the feed, to know if something was off or lacking. Like I mentioned though, we get our feed from a local supplier and have had no issues at all.
You had me at er er er er errrrr. I'm just wondering if maybe the feed was aging due to sitting in shipments that didn't get shipped for a long time. I switched mine 2 weeks ago and just started getting eggs again 2 days ago.
Yes always buy local on everything. And I believe there is a co-op there in your new town beside the Arkansas Tech campus. I’ve been through Franklin county a few times. Yes though buy everything local and avoid conspiracy junk.
You new home sounds like you’ll be living a dream! Thanks for the nice mental images of your new home. As far as the feed conspiracy goes, thank you for your voice of reason. Sometimes, for whatever reason, whenever something happens, there are those who tend toward “the sky is falling!!” Mentality with our taking time to think things through. I’m an old granny, and have to believe that a huge company who associates their name to something like feed will be extremely careful with whatever they produce. And I have to wonder if anyone has had their feed tested, called local extension office to check if they’ve heard about any issues with TSC chicken feed? Enjoy your supper!
I hit liked and made the number 666. I sure hope someone comes along soon to like and change that number. Homesteaders have so much to teach us suburban people. Along with good books to educate. We need to change our lives to be self sufficient. In away we are going back to the days when our grandparents did the very same thing homesteaders are doing today. Can I say without criticism that this is a good thing.
We use Powell Feeds and we have been having the same issues. Powell makes their own feed, but still we are only getting a few eggs on good days. I am using starter feed for the last two days, thinking maybe they need more protein. I did find four eggs this morning, but I got zero eggs yesterday. I guess time will tell.
Great vedio!!
Oh my goodness I love love love your dress/jumper or is it an apron? Did you make it?
Thank you! Yes, it is an apron :)
👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am not techno savvy. You figured out how to go live, you're much more advanced than I am 😉
LOL (Love your name BTW)
@@CosmopolitanCornbread thank you❤️
I am so sick and tired of people saying the reason for the egg drop is due to the winter time and talking to all of us that have chickens like we don’t know anything about it. We know that the chickens slow down laying eggs in the winter. My husband and I experienced this with the feed and it’s not a conspiracy theory it is true. We change the feed from tractor supply and within two days we were back up to normal. It’s not just a coincidence and it’s not the winter time. Just because some of your pros are not experiencing it doesn’t mean it’s not so.
I think you missed where I said I wouldn't put it past companies to do that sort of thing...
@@CosmopolitanCornbread
Perhaps so. I have erased my reply several times which would mean it’s a waste of time.
I personally haven't gotten a single egg and I don't buy tractor supply feed they are usually $10+ more a bag. Haven't gotten eggs from ducks, chickens, or bantams. The bantams quit laying in November about a month behind the others. Not a single ensie Weensie egg in months. I was feeding a cheap 16% from a local ag store then switched to a 20%..... 4 bags later still NO EGGS!!!! However, I have one rogue hen who refuses to stay penned with her chicken friends and thinks she is a guinea. I see her snacking on cat food occasionally.. She has been laying for a while every day. Next week everyone is going to go back to free ranging. And everyone is getting a little cat food snack mixed into the feed pan.