S10 E14: Ingenious Chicken Keeping with Harvey Ussery

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

Our birds free range all day. We just dump garden waste in the compost pile and the chickens know to go there and forage every day. I imagine they find bugs and such there as well. We don’t feed a whole lot of bagged feed. About a large coffee can to 25 birds - they clean it up and never have leftovers. Then they walk their circuits. They have specific places they go everyday to harvest. It’s really quite fascinating. Our predator stress has been nocturnal critters, so a well constructed coop has been the key to keeping the flock.

[@jenniferann2237]

"Edible acres" channel (permaculture nursery in New York) has a lot of great info on alternative chicken food.

[@hugelpook]

Compost piles are good food and entertainment for chickens.

[@sakeekas4246]

I love our Icies! And yes, I have a photo of one 20’ up in a tree. I use 4’ netting, and it does nothing. But whatever. They’re happy birds giving us eggs through winter.

[@debarnold5019]

We actually use bailing twine to make that web for aerial predators. It's effective and cheap, cause we use hay to feed our goats.

[@frankcarter2730]

Hey Deb How are you doing?

[@FineFeatheredHomestead]

"Finding your own way is the more interesting and more fun way to go." I absolutely agree! So many go full boar into a flock of dozens of chickens without thinking it through to their own distress, expense and misery. So we started with 2 hens for 2 years, just to get used to it, see what they need and don't need, how it affected our lives, and what damage they can cause. Now we're knowledgeable enough to add 2-3 more hens in spring. Though a roo is of big interest, the neighbors may dislike his noise...and we may too. So that'll only happen for us if needs must. But we're ready to do that without a thought, since we already planned either way to accommodate a roo. Others don't understand why we have so few, but it's our own way. No need for others to follow suit or feel put off by a different lifestyle.

[@kristineparks4606]

I have been doing a lot of research on chickens before I start to raise my own and now I know what to read for more information thank you jill

[@mismatchedsocksshop7227]

This was such a great podcast. I first listened in the car on the way to work and home. I really enjoyed re-listening and watching again.

[@jennm2689]

Ordered my book today! Thank you Jill for having Harvey on. I’ve been looking for more reliable information on chickens.

[@monicaarrudaarruda6723]

Thank you for the information! In Brasil where I'm from, we only have predators and some illness, sometimes, as problems. But your tips will be useful!

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

Great info, thanks Jill and Harvey!

[@ingridbond3432]

EXCELLENT, THANK YOU

[@trulylynn9941]

I have been looking for a place to get grass fed beef! I am interested in other cuts of beef as well sweet Jill! It's about quality and I know you have that. You made my day!

[@trulylynn9941]

@@shamrock241r8 I bought from Jill who is just starting out and I will stay right here with her!

[@trulylynn9941]

I feed my free range chickens whole grains without corn and soy. I will feed the girls whole corn during the winter months. I always have a lot of fresh water from my well.

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

Are you buying actual whole grain chicken feed or bags of whole grains for human consumption and just feeding it out to the chickens when needed

[@sarahleehazel24]

Trap nest aren’t nessisary, I just use a WYZE camera and can monitor the nest boxes. That’s how I can identify who lays what.

[@rahneclark1902]

Can he post examples of his chicken areas please and thank you

[@judytaylor1301]

How do you plug in an electric fence or wires??

[@judytaylor1301]

What is the name of Harvey’s 2 books? Where can I buy them?

[@KatrinaT]

Do you have a link to his book?

[@iylalacoste3463]

Why is this not on the podcast app?

[@frankcarter2730]

Hey Lyla How are you doing?

[@judytaylor1301]

What is cover cropping??

[@gingerinthedesertcreations]

Joel Salatin leaves a bad taste for me the more I learn about him and am exposed to his ideas but it feels like he's the big authority on so many things. This guy definitely feels like a good remedy to that.

[@hugelpook]

I don't agree with keeping rabbits in cages. It's no different to battery hens.

[@hugelpook]

What have you learnt?