J Barber

Thanks for all the comments and so promptly. We were just surprised because our fall decline in production was so profound this year. Of course last year we barely had winter here, so perhaps that spoiled us a bit from the 'norm'. We have a lot to learn but am workin' at it! By the way, have you ever done caponizing? I have read a lot about it and even downloaded a great book(let) from a N.Y. library that gave step by step instructions and great pictures. Unfortunately I have tried twice and managed both times to get only one of my targets removed so therefore didn't avoid any of the desired results....like stop the crowing since we live in town. Didn't know what the problem was until we butchered. Am planning to try again but have to wait for more hatchlings.

a good read.... I am fairly new to the chicken raising/egg gathering world and enjoyed the input. Also a nurse and know how after microbiology most nurses turn germophobic or figure out that the little critters are unavoidable/live everywhere/are beneficial in appropriate numbers. Okay... moving on. I thought you might have some information about a wivestale or theory I heard recently. I was told that you shouldn't feed chickens apple cores or peels. The source said the farmers used to feed them intentionally to prevent the eggs being laid when they would be away for a day or so going into town. My egg production had dropped off and that was one possible culprit I was told. I had indeed been feeding them apple cores. Also have been considering making my own feed, didn't realize until recently that the feed store variety had all manner of things I would object to.... go figure! So suggestions for that would also be welcome. We did use wood ash on mite infested birds and it did help but not eradicate the problem. I will however investigate deep litter !