Nice to be here! I\'ve been lurking a little while trying to learn more about Ameraucana chickens, and chickens in general.
I purchased four (so called) Ameraucana pullets locally, only to find out later that only one even comes close to an Ameraucana, and to top it off, I think one of the other 3 is a roo!
Don\'t get me wrong, I love my little EE\'s, but honestly, I really REALLY want some true Ameraucanas. I heard this is the place to be if I wanted to find some nice ones.
I also have some other breeds (16 chickens in all) and I have a question about chickens in general. I know you need to keep them on a good layer mix when they begin to lay, to make sure they get the right amount of protein. Well, the kids and I have been giving them treats from the time they went outside, like cantelope halves and over ripe plums from under the tree, and of course they free range when we\'re at home. Should I still do this when they start laying, or should they only have their layer ration? How many treats are too much? Do I have to limit their free ranging? How do I know they\'re getting what they need?
By the way, they\'re only about 11 to 12 weeks old right now, and all look healthy and happy as can be.
Thank you!
Sherry from Arkansas