Sunday, January 1, 2012

[CHICKENS-101] Re: Why not Purina

 

Just a few thoughts on animal feed. Some time ago I did a bit of research and what I discovered is that almost all feeds (with very few exceptions) are made in China or India and then distributed to the USA under different brand names for purchase.

Since so many of these feeds are manufactured in the same place one has to wonder just what gets put into specific brands. One way to discover what's really in feeds is to have them tested occasionally at reputable labs. I use Michigan State University labs to test formulas for infant animals and animal feeds to determine if what's being listed as ingredients and if the fat and protein percentages listed are correct. There are also tests to discover if there are things that don't belong in the feed such as the melamine fiasco which was in almost all food brands for cats and dogs due to feeds being made by the same manufacturer.

Not to mention what occurred in Michigan with the poisoning of cattle and other livestock feeds with a fire retardant. There was a mix up at the feed store and the fire retardant got mixed in where the feed was stored. The bags were poorly labeled and some of the loaders were illiterate and weren't able to read what was listed on the bags and unknowingly, distributed fire retardant as feed.

With regard to mold issues, that also is most likely due to the storing of feed at distributors. Being a wildlife rehabilitator, I can tell you that recently there was a huge recall on PetAg powered formulas for infant animals. It was discovered that the problem occurred from storage and not the manufacturing. Large batches of formula were left to sit in cargo trucks in the sun causing it to become rancid thereby changing the ingredients and the reliability of the product. It had nothing to do with the manufacturing or the brand name of the product.

That said, I think we need to be aware of problems with feeds and report issues asap but not necessarily write the distributor or brand name off as unsuitable. These things happen in all areas of mass food production including what is consumed by humans. Let's not forget all the recalls we have had, and continue to have, on the food we as humans consume.

Sue
WLR

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[CHICKENS-101] Re: Why not Purina

 

FYI
Dumor (the store brand from TSC) IS Purina.
Mark

--- In CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com, institchesquilts@... wrote:
>
> Sandi,
>
> Thanks so much for that info! I'm in Norton and had no idea! I'll be making
> a trip over to browse this week. I've got 6 pullets but looking to add
> another 6 this spring. I supplement with a lot of leftover veges and oatmeal
> and birdseed and fruit for a treat so not really going through a lot of
> feed. At least not nearly as fast as I expected. And they can still free range
> some, as long as the dog and I can keep an eye out on the hawks. Not using
> Purina, never have, I have been using Dumor. Anyone else using this brand?
> My pullets are thriving. The one that is laying has been since mid Oct and
> has everyday. Hasn't skipped a day. She's awesome! A buff Orp. I call her
> Big Alice, but she is really Alice Kravitz. Always scrunches down for me to
> pick her up. Coos at me while I cuddle her. I think she lays everyday as a
> thank you for being so happy. Silly I know.
> I have had a lot of pets in my life. Chickens have given me more enjoyment
> of any animal that I have ever owned.
>
> Diana
>

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[CHICKENS-101] Re: pictures and laying

 

WOW! Sheryl. What can I say.
For starters, loved the chicken joke.
Now the quilts! Amazing. You are so tallented & blessed. What amazing works of art, I think my favourite is the the asian one by kitty pippin. then the swim of things. then lhs 40 years class cos I love that cockeral. Wish I were as clever as you.
Then your poem I do hope you entered that into a poetry contest it is very good! If you have not make sure you do sometime!
What a great coop project your 'guys' are working on & such a clever idea for the eggs!
Thanks for letting me take a look at what you have been up too, it's been a real pleasure.
Good luck with all your projects in 2012  :)Jane & co

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[CHICKENS-101] Re: did your chickens get a present

 

I know that feeling Angelique, nothing beats the way yuor girls make you feel so wanted & loved. Jane & co

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[CHICKENS-101] Health authorities still search for cause in bird flu death

 

Health authorities in south Guangdong province have yet to find the cause of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, that led to the death of a bus driver, a local disease control official said Sunday.

The 39-year-old man surnamed Chen in Bao'an district of Shenzhen was hospitalized for fever on Dec. 21 and tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. He died of multiple organ failure Saturday afternoon, the Guangdong Health Department said in a statement.

The department also said that during the previous month prior to his fever, he had no direct contact with poultry and hadn't traveled out of the city.

Chen's wife said he had a habit of doing morning exercises every day near a wetland park and an artificial lake not far from his home, but "no proof has been found that his infection is connected with the migratory birds there," He Jianfeng, director of the Epidemics Studies Institute of the Guangdong Disease Control Center, said Sunday.

 
Queue
Q-Farms and Assoc / Pakistan

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Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: did your chickens get a present

 

<<The doctor is saying I should be completely back to specs by November 2012>>
 
Sounds about right--I have a friend who had major rotator cuff surgery, and had to take a full year off his violin (he's a marvelous musician, and had actually just bought the Drurian Prescenda for $300,000--so not being able to play was horrible!)  as well as from riding.  He seems to be back completely to normal.  Hope yours goes as well.  <g> And yes, I bet you *were* the best present your chickens could have had!
 
Rhonda

Sidesaddle Hall of Famer
Five-time US National Sidesaddle Champion

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[CHICKENS-101] Re: Incubating question..

 

Thanks, its a small unit probably only hold like 10 eggs... ( so it wont take much time, but still needs to be done often I know)

The unit I am looking at is on Craigslist, and the seller doesnt have a turner, not sure if I can go find a turner for it...

A friend from work says he has an incubator in the attic he is going to give me but keeps forgetting to get it down... GRRR!!!! meanwhile, spring is creeping up and I want to start getting prepared for it..
Did I ever mention that patience is NOT my virtue.. ?? lol

--- In CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com, "wildliferescue29" <wildliferescue29@...> wrote:
>
> You can hand turn but it must be done religiously and it's a chore. For a few bucks, I'd suggest getting the automatic turner. Except for checking on temps and adding water occasionally, you can set your eggs and pretty much walk away.
>
> Of course when hatch time is near, you'll be hovering over the bator like a hawk all day long looking for progress ;)
>
>
> Sue
> WLR

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