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Three Tips To Help Molting Chickens

Friday, September 22nd, 2023

It’s autumn. Time for comfy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything, and… vacation? For backyard chickens across the country, shorter days often signal time for a break. Birds may stop laying eggs, lose old feathers, and grow new ones. This annual vacation from egg laying is called molt.

Molt is driven by season and usually occurs in the fall when the hours of sunlight decrease. For our birds, fall means it’s time to prepare for winter, which requires quality feathers. That’s why hens take a vacation from laying eggs and redirect their energy to regrowing feathers.

 When do chickens molt?

This feather loss phenomenon first happens when birds are approximately 18 months old and then occurs annually. Backyard flock owners should expect about 8 weeks of feather loss and regrowth but could take up to 16 weeks for some birds.

Though the general process is similar, not all molting seasons are created equal.

The onset and length of the molt look different for each bird. How long chickens molt for depends on factors such as age, consumed nutrients, and the environment. You’ll often first notice that feathers are losing their sheen. Hens may then gradually lose a few feathers or it could happen overnight. We’ve noticed that more productive egg-layers and younger hens recover from molt more quickly than older or less productive hens. In any case, proper nutrients and management can help birds through molt.

Three tips for molting chickens

  1. Pack the protein Just like humans, birds need a different diet depending on their current activity or life stage. Protein is the key nutrient to pack in a flock’s diet during molt. The number one nutrient switches from calcium to protein during molt. This is because feathers are made of 80-85 percent protein, whereas eggshells are primarily calcium. When you notice your chickens losing feathers, switch to a complete feed that’s 20 percent protein and includes probiotics, prebiotics, and key vitamins and minerals. Purina® Flock Raiser® chicken feed is a key option. A high-protein complete feed can help hens channel nutrients into feather regrowth and get back to laying eggs.For organic flocks, try switching hens to Purina® Organic Starter-Grower when molting begins in order to maintain organic status and provide a higher level of nutrition they need for feather regrowth.
  2. Keep stress low
    While on vacation, people generally want plenty of comfort and room to relax. It isn’t so different inside the coop during molt. Keep molting chickens comfortable by preventing stress. During molt, the area where the feather shaft meets the skin can be very sensitive, so reduce handling and provide plenty of clean bedding. Offer enough space for your birds to rest and relax in private. For each bird, four square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet outside of the coop can keep them comfortable. In addition, provide access to plenty of fresh, clean water and proper air ventilation. Hydration and ventilation can help keep the backyard coop spa-like for feather regrowth. Avoid introducing new flock members during this time, as adding in new friends and potentially re-shuffling the pecking order could add stress.
  3. Transition back to layer feed
    Once birds are ready to return from vacation and begin producing eggs, it’s time to adjust the nutrient profile to match their energy needs once again. When hens begin laying eggs, transition back to a complete layer feed that matches your goals. Gradually mix the complete layer feed with the high-protein feed over the course of 7 to 10 days. This can help avoid digestive upsets and allows birds to get used to the taste and texture of their new feed. Once they’re back on a complete layer feed and have vibrant new feathers, get ready again for farm fresh eggs for your family.

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The Importance of Fall Pasture Management

Friday, September 1st, 2023

Fall Pasture Management | J&N Feed & SeedAs fall approaches, it’s important to start thinking about how you can properly manage your pasture for the upcoming colder months. Fall pasture management is crucial in providing enough food for your livestock and also ensuring the longevity and health of your pasture. To keep your livestock happy and healthy, understanding the proper techniques for fall grazing is essential. So what can you do to better manage your pasture?

Fertilize Your Pasture

The first step in fall pasture management is to fertilize your pasture. After your livestock has grazed on the grass all summer, it’s essential to provide it with nutrients to ensure new, healthy growth. Fertilizing the pasture will provide the necessary nutrients for grass growth, improving your pasture’s overall health. It also helps with erosion caused by rain and wind that usually occurs in the fall season.

Implement a Grazing Rotation

Another vital aspect of fall pasture management is implementing a grazing rotation system. This technique involves dividing your pasture into smaller portions and rotating the livestock from one area to the other. The pasture gets time to recover and the animals have access to fresher and greener grass. This technique can also help protect the soil from nutrient depletion, soil compaction and reduce parasite prevalence in certain areas of the pasture.

Regular Mowing

Mowing the pasture regularly is beneficial for pastures. It decreases the grass height to a level appropriate for proper nutrient intake and can control the possible invasion of pests. Long grasses will also stop the development of young plants. If the grass grows too tall, it will eventually shade out and displace the grass located underneath. Regular mowing will help the pasture to regrow and be prepared for the spring.

Minimize Overcrowding

Fall is the perfect time for letting livestock graze but this must be in moderation. Too many animals grazing in a single area can lead to overgrazing and soil compaction, negatively affecting the health of the pasture. To avoid overcrowding, ensure the correct stocking rate by conducting an assessment of the available forage in the pasture. An ideal stocking rate ensures that the pasture can handle the amount of livestock it contains without causing damage or degradation to the pasture ecosystem.

Water Access

Lastly, water access is an essential factor to consider when managing your fall pasture. During the fall season, the grass goes dormant, and the cooler temperatures make the soil’s water retention capacity reduce. It’s important to make sure your livestock has access to a water source that’s easily accessible to all animals and free of debris. A lack of water will limit the amount of dry matter intake and compromise the health and welfare of your livestock.

Fall pasture management is a crucial element in maintaining the health, productivity, and longevity of your pasture and livestock. By utilizing our tips, you can create a pasture management system that benefits both your pasture and livestock. Start planning on how to manage your pastures with our tips or reach out for specific and tailored recommendations for your individual needs.

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Tips for Storing Your Animal Feed Properly

Sunday, August 20th, 2023

Storing animal feed | J&N Feed & SeedAs an animal owner, you know the importance of providing your animals with the best possible nutrition. That’s why you take the time to research and choose the right feed. However, all that effort will be for nothing if the feed is not stored properly. Proper storage is essential to keeping your animal feed fresh and protecting it from pests and other contaminants. Here are some tips to help you store your animal feed properly.

Store In A Cool, Dry Place Away From Direct Sunlight

One of the best ways to keep your animal feed fresh is to store it in a cool, dry place. Exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture can cause the feed to go bad quickly. When selecting a storage area, choose a location that is away from direct sunlight and where air circulation is good.

Keep Bags Of Feed Sealed Tightly

Before storing the feed, make sure to seal the bags tightly. This will keep insects and critters away from the feed and prevent air and moisture from getting inside. Use a clip or seal that is strong enough to keep the bag closed for good measure.

Use Metal Containers To Store Feed, Especially In Areas With Rodents

If you live in an area with rodents, consider storing your animal feed in metal containers. Rats and other rodents can chew through plastic bags quickly and easily, so it’s best to store your feed in a container with a tight-fitting lid that they can’t nibble their way into.

Inspect Bags Of Feed Before Use

Make sure to inspect each bag of feed before you use it. Check for any signs of damage or pests inside the bag. Be sure to discard any bags that look suspicious or if you find pests. If the feed smells off or has a strange odor, it is better not to take any risks and discard it.

Rotate The Feed

Rotation of feed will make sure the feed is always fresh. Use the oldest feed first and keep the newer one in the back. Make sure the feed doesn’t sit in storage past the expiration date. Storing expired feed can be harmful to your animal’s health.

Proper storage of animal feed is essential for keeping your animals healthy and happy. By following these tips, you can help prolong the shelf life of your animal feed and ensure that your animals get the best possible nutrition. Remember, take the time to store your animal feed properly today, for the health and well-being of your animals tomorrow.

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Energy Without Nutrients is Just Empty Calories

Thursday, August 17th, 2023

Energy Without Nutrients is Just Empty Calories

Deer need to consume energy to maintain their bodies as is (maintenance energy) and even more energy to grow, reproduce, and produce antlers.  In addition to energy, the six required nutrients for deer are protein, fat, carbohydrates (fiber, sugar, starch), minerals, vitamins, and water.  The key is for deer to receive a balance of energy and nutrients to meet their requirement given their stage of production.

 How Is Deer Feed Energy Calculated?

In animal nutrition, the amount of energy in deer feed is calculated as Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) or as Calories (kilocalories).  This dietary energy be it browse, hay, corn, or pellets is derived from the feed’s nutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates).  Fat contains 2.25 times more energy than does protein and carbohydrates. As the animal increases in body size, pregnant with multiple fawns, producing milk for twins or triplets or growing an exceptional rack of antlers, the amount of dietary energy needed daily increases.  The animal will increase its intake to meet its energy needs to a point where the animal cannot consume enough feed1 (Ammann et al., 1973).  This explains why a doe producing milk for four fawns may lose more body condition than the doe lactating for two.

Goal of Supplement Feeding Program

Additionally, to make a feed that is higher in dietary energy, it requires an increase in protein, fat, or carbohydrates and decreases the room for the other nutrients (minerals and vitamins) that are required for deer to excel.  It can also lead to digestive upset.  A feed too high in fat can suppress fiber digestion and a feed too high in soluble carbohydrates (sugar and starch) may promote acidosis.

The key is balance.  The supplemental feed needs to have an energy content that is needed by the animal and at a rate of consumption that provides the nutrients (protein, minerals and vitamins) to complement the native forage and meet the needs of its stage of production and genetic potential.

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The Benefits of Using Hay Feeders for Your Animals

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023

Hay Feeders As a livestock owner, one of your main concerns is ensuring that your animals have access to clean and dry hay. Hay is often vulnerable to moisture, mold, and wastage which can be expensive and difficult to manage. Here is where hay feeders come in. Hay feeders come in various forms, are made of sturdy materials, and can be used to keep your hay fresh and also save you money. Explore some of the benefits of using hay feeders for your livestock.

Keeps Hay Clean And Dry

One of the biggest advantages of using a hay feeder is that it keeps the hay clean and dry. When hay is left on the ground or in a pile, it’s prone to being trampled on by animals, becoming contaminated with dirt, and absorbing moisture from the ground or the environment. Not only does this make it less appealing for animals to eat, but it can also compromise their health by exposing them to mold and bacteria. By using a hay feeder, you can lift the hay off the ground and protect it from the elements.

Reduces Waste And Saves Money

Using hay feeders can reduce waste and save money long term. When animals are given free access to hay, they tend to consume it quickly and messily, scattering it around and stepping on it. This not only makes it harder to clean up, but it also means that a lot of hay is wasted. In fact, studies have shown that using a hay feeder can reduce hay wastage by up to 50%. This translates into significant cost savings over time, especially for larger farming operations.

Promotes Natural Feeding Behavior

Hay fed from the ground causes animals to bend down and stretch their necks to feed. This causes discomfort for animals and sometimes even strain. Hay feeders position hay at a comfortable height for animals to eat from, allowing them to maintain a natural posture and avoid unnecessary pain or injury.This can also lead to better digestion and overall health for your animals.

Ensures Equal Access To Hay

Dominant animals can monopolize hay that is fed on the ground which keeps shyer animals from getting their share. This could lead to malnourishment and even aggression among animals. When a hay feeder is used, animals all get their fair share of hay for better nutrition and livestock cohesion. 

Improves Overall Cleanliness And Sanitation

Hay tends to attract rodents and other pests like flies when scattered around. These pests often carry disease and can create unsanitary conditions. Using a hay feeder is an easy way to create a cleaner feeding environment by reducing the risk of pests and diseases. In addition to this, they are easy to clean which promotes health and hygiene on the farm. 

Consider using a hay feeder on your farm as a simple but effective way to improve the health and welfare of your livestock. Not only does it have health benefits, but it can save you money in the long run!

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11 Tips To Beat Heat Stress in Cattle

Monday, July 17th, 2023

Water, shade, and the right nutrition can help mitigate heat stress in cattle. Read our tips for beat heat stress in cattle and keep your herd cool.Water, shade, and the right nutrition can help mitigate heat stress in cattle.

The weather report says it’s going to be a scorcher, and sure enough – the temperatures start steadily climbing. Cattle start grouping in shady spots. A few cows start panting to stay cool. The flies settle in. And, suddenly, you’ve got a herd struggling with heat stress.

The heat may be unavoidable, but you can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact on your herd. First, let’s look at the dangers of heat stress in cattle.

When temperatures rise

Cattle have sweat glands, but it’s not a very efficient way for them to cool off. Instead, they rely on respiration, or opening their mouths and panting, to help them dissipate heat. When it’s 80 degrees or hotter out, their ability to regulate their own temperature becomes a big challenge. You start to see behavior changes – more time in the shade, less time grazing, and increased water consumption.

To make the heat even more challenging:

  • A cow’s rumen activity naturally increases body heat. Fermentation occurs in the rumen, producing heat as bacteria break down and digest forages.
  • Cattle seek shade to help keep cool. Grouping up in the shade sometimes has the reverse effect and creates a lot of radiant heat between cows. The thermometer might read 90 degrees, but the temperature in the middle of the group could be much hotter.
  • Crowded cattle attract more flies, causing animals to move even closer together to protect themselves.
  • Animals with dark hides have a higher risk of suffering heat stress than those with lighter-colored hides.

Suddenly your herd feels overheated and cattle are less likely to graze.

When grazing stops

Forage is the number one nutrition source for cows on pasture. If they aren’t grazing as much during a heatwave, they’re probably not meeting their cattle nutrition requirements.

When cows don’t get adequate nutrition, they’re at risk of:

  • Losing body condition
  • Taking longer to rebreed
  • Producing less milk for their growing calf
  • Generating a weaker immune response to health challenges
  • Long-term fertility consequences

If cattle are too hot to graze, they may also be too hot to consume mineral at target intake levels. If you’re using a fly control mineral and intakes are below target levels, cows no longer benefit from it because they aren’t getting a full dose of fly control.

Curb heat stress in cattle by planning for proper shade, water and the right nutrition program.

11 hot weather tips for cattle

  1. Ensure access to fresh, clean water. A brood cow drinks 25 to 30 gallons of water on a normal day. She’ll drink even more in hot weather.
  2. Check water tanks often to make sure they are clean and free of contamination (algae, feces, organic material, etc.). You might need additional portable tanks to ensure adequate access.
  3. Place water tanks in shaded areas to keep water cool if possible. Keep waterers several feet away from buildings or fences, so cattle can access water from all sides.
  4. Offer supplements to help cows make the most of their forages. Accuration® Supplements with Intake Modifying Technology® help feed necessary rumen microbes to keep cattle eating and encourages snack eating behavior.
  5. Choose a mineral designed for consistent consumption during hot weather, like Purina® Wind and Rain® Summer Season Mineral.
  6. Control flies to prevent further stress and grazing disturbance. Purina® Wind and Rain® Fly Control Mineral contain Altosid® IGR, an insect growth regulator offering a beneficial mode of action to deliver fly control via cattle nutrition. Consider Purina® Wind and Rain® Fly Control Mineral to stop the horn fly life cycle by preventing pupae from developing into biting, breeding adult flies.
  7. Supply ample shade. Whether it’s provided by trees, a manmade building or portable structures, shade is critical. It might be necessary to move cattle to a pasture with trees or additional shade.
  8. Strategically move rotational grazing herds to fresh pastures in the late afternoon/early evening instead of the morning. Cows will have access to fresh grass when temperatures are beginning to cool and will be more likely to graze.
  9. Work cattle as early in the day as possible when temperatures are lower.
  10. Don’t graze pastures short before moving cows to another. Pastures with taller, thicker grass feel cooler than pastures with short grass where more soil surface is exposed.
  11. Observe cattle frequently and take precautions when hot and humid weather is forecast.

Source: Chris Forcherio, Ph.D.
Beef Research Manager

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The Impact of Heat Stress on Deer

Monday, July 17th, 2023

Heat stress on deer can have metabolic and hormonal effects on ruminants that have significant production impacts including reduced feed intake, growth, milk production, and reproduction.Heat stress on deer can have metabolic and hormonal effects on ruminants that have significant production impacts including reduced feed intake, growth, milk production, and reproduction.1 By understanding heat stress, when it occurs, and its impact on deer can help improve management decisions.

Each species has a specific thermoneutral zone (TNZ) where the animal feels comfortable. At temperatures below and above the TNZ, the metabolic rate increases to keep the body warmer or cooler. Due to the increased metabolic rate, a greater amount of energy is needed and therefore negatively impacts health and productivity parameters. The temperature range for the TNZ is also affected by moisture, wind chill, solar radiation, body condition, and hair coat. In white-tailed deer, the transitional hair coat in the fall offered more protection against temperature extremes than the summer coat and results in a larger TNZ.5Heat stress occurs when the temperature or temperature-humidity indices (a combination of ambient temperature and relative humidity) go above the upper critical temperature of the TNZ. For northern white-tailed deer, the upper critical temperature is 68°F during the summer and 77° in the winter.5 See Table 1 for the TNZ of selected cervid species.

White-tailed deer reduce movement, spend more time lying, seek cooler locations, look for shelter from solar radiation, and pant to dissipate heat during heat stress.5 As panting increases, there is an increased risk of rumen acidosis due to a decrease in rumen buffering capacity through increased exhalation of CO2 and loss of saliva by drooling.1 Elk rarely pant, but sweat to cool off.6 Deer under climatic stress, like heat, can have a negative effect on nutritional status at a time when growth, lactation, and antler production occurs. This reduction in productive activity is partly due to reduced feed intake, altered endocrine status, reduced rumination, nutrient absorption, and increased maintenance requirements.1 This results in reduced energy and nutrient availability. If heat stress occurs and results in a negative energy balance just after fawning, there could be an increased risk of metabolic disorders, health problems, decreased milk yield, and reduced reproductive performance.3 Reduced nutrient intake during lactation can also lead to inefficient nitrogen incorporation into microbial proteins in the rumen and loss of amino acids that were mobilized from skeletal muscle.1 Feed conversion efficiency is reduced in part due to increased energy expended to rid the body of excess heat and reduced digestibility of higher fiber forages.4

The goal is to reduce the potential impact of heat stress to keep animals eating and in positive energy balance. One of those management activities could be to provide additional cover in the form of improved habitat, stands of trees, or artificial shade structures.7 Because water is important to help dissipate heat, make sure deer have access to fresh water near every feeder or every 300 acres.7

Through Purina’s deer research program, a patent-pending mixture of plant extracts, Climate Guard® supplement, was identified that support deer during climatic stress events like heat. Climate Guard® supplement has been added to all Purina® AntlerMax® deer feed, except AntlerMax® Deer Mineral and Extreme Energy™ supplement.

Shop J&N Feed and Seed in Graham, Texas, for Purina Climate Guard Supplement. While you are here, ask us about our feeder filling services.
Source: Michael Schlegel, Ph.D., PAS, Dipl. ACAS-Nutrition
Sr. Nutritionist, Wildlife & Small Ruminant Technical Solutions
Table 1. Thermoneutral zones for selected cervid species
                                                         Thermoneutral Zone
Specie SeasonA Lower Critical
temperature, F		 Upper critical
temperature, F		 Reference
White-tailed deer Sp, Su, Fa
Wn		 41
41		 68
77		 1Holter et al., 1975
1Holter et al., 1975
Black-tailed deer Su
Wn		 53.6
21.2		 80.6
64.4		 2Bunnell, 1990
2Bunnell, 1990
Mule deer Su
Wn		 -4
-4		 77
41		 5Paker & Robins, 1984
5Paker & Robins, 1984
Elk Wn -4 68 6Paker & Robins, 1984
ASp=Spring, Su=Summer, Fa=Fall, Wn=Winter

1Bernabucci, U., N. Lacetera, L.H. Baumgard, R.P. Rhoads, B. Ronchi, and A. Nardone. 2010. Metabolic and hormonal acclimation to heat stress in domesticated ruminants. Animal 4:1167-1183.

2Bunnell, F.L. 1990. Ecology of black-tailed deer. In: Deer and Elk Habitats in Coastal Forests of Southern British Columbia, J.B. Nyberg and D.W. Janz, eds. Research Branch, Ministry of Forests, Province of British Columbia, Victoria, pp 31-63.

3Drackley, J.K. 1999. Biology of dairy cows during the transition period: The final frontier? Journal of Dairy Science. 82:2259-2273.

4Fuquay, J.W. 1981. Heat stress as it affects animal production. Journal of Animal Science. 52:164-174.

5Holter, J.B., W.E. Urban, Jr., H.H. Hayes, H. Silver, and H.R. Skutt. 1975. Ambient temperature effects on physiological traits of white-tailed deer. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 53:679-685.

6Parker, K.L., and C.T. Robbins. 1984. Thermoregulation in mule deer and elk. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 62:1409-1422.

7Schreiber, C. 2015. Research suggest south Texas heat impacts deer productivity. Texas Wildlife. August:50-51.

8Silanikove, N. 2000. Effects of heat stress on the welfare of extensively managed domestic ruminants. Livestock Production Science. 67:1-18.

9Tomeček, J.M. and M. Russell, 2016. Managing heat for wildlife on Texas rangelands. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. EWF=034.  Available at:  https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Managing-Heat-for-Wildlife-on-Texas-Rangelands.pdf

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2023 – 2024 Hunting Season Dates

Monday, July 17th, 2023

Texas Parks & Wildlife logoTexas Parks & Wildlife released the 2023 – 2024 Texas Hunting Season dates. Check them out below. You can find more information on their website.  Before you head to the lease, stop by J&N Feed for all your hunting supplies, feeds, and attractants.

Game Animals

Javelina

Javelina season dates
Season Zone Dates
General North Oct. 1, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024
South Sep. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024

Mule Deer

Mule deer season dates
Season Zone Dates
General Panhandle Nov. 18, 2023 – Dec. 3, 2023
Trans-Pecos Nov. 24, 2023 – Dec. 10, 2023
Archery 59 of 254 counties Sep. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023

Pronghorn

Pronghorn season dates
Season Zone Dates
General 41 of 254 counties Sep. 30 – Oct. 15, 2023

Squirrel

Squirrel season dates
Season Zone Dates
General East Texas Oct. 1, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024 & May 1-31, 2024
Other open counties Sep. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024
Youth-only East Texas Sep. 23 – 24, 2023

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer season dates
Season Zone Dates
General North Nov. 4 , 2023- Jan. 7, 2024
South Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Special Late North Jan. 8-21, 2024
South Jan. 22, 2024 – Feb. 4, 2024
Youth-Only North Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024
South Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024
Archery 252 of 254 counties Sep. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023
Muzzleloader 90 of 254 counties Jan. 8-21, 2024

Upland Game Birds

Chachalaca

Chachalaca season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties Oct. 28, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024

Pheasant

Pheasant season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Panhandle Dec. 2-31, 2023

Quail

Quail season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Statewide Oct. 28, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024

Turkey

Rio Grande Turkey

Rio Grande Turkey season dates
Season Zone Dates
Fall North Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
South Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties Nov. 4, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024
Archery-only Sep. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023
Fall Youth-only North Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024
South Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 22, 2024 – Feb. 4, 2024
Spring North Mar. 30, 2024 – May 12, 2024
South Mar. 16, 2024 – Apr. 28, 2024
One-turkey counties Apr. 1-30, 2024
Spring Youth-Only North Mar. 23-24, 2024 & May 18-19, 2024
South Mar. 9-10, 2024 & May 4-5, 2024

Eastern Turkey

Eastern Turkey season dates
Season Zone Dates
Spring East Texas Apr. 22, 2024 – May 14, 2024

Migratory Game Bird

Dove

Dove season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular North Sep. 1, 2023 – Nov. 12, 2023 & Dec. 15-31, 2023
Central Sep. 1, 2023 – Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024
South Sep. 14, 2023 – Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Special White-winged Dove Days South Sep. 1-3, 2023 & Sept. 8-10, 2023

Duck

Duck season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular High Plains Mallard Management Unit Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Nov. 3, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
North Nov. 11-26, 2023 & Dec. 2, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
South Nov. 4-26, 2023 & Dec. 9, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
Youth/Veterans High Plains Mallard Management Unit Oct. 21-22, 2023
North Nov. 4-5, 2023
South Oct. 28-29, 2023

Goose

Goose season dates
Season Zone Dates
Early Canada Goose East Sep. 9-24, 2023
Light & Dark Geese West Nov. 4, 2023 – Feb. 4, 2024
East Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
Light Goose Conservation Order West Feb. 5, 2024 – Mar. 10, 2024
East Jan. 29, 2024 – Mar. 10, 2024

Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens

Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens hunting seasons and dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Statewide Sep. 9-24, 2023 & Nov. 4, 2023 – Dec. 27, 2023

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes hunting seasons and dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular A Oct. 28, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
B Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
C Dec. 16, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024

Snipe

Common season dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Statewide Nov. 4, 2023 – Feb. 18, 2024

Teal

Teal hunting seasons and dates
Season Zone Dates
September Teal Only Statewide Sep. 9-24, 2023

Woodcock

Woodcock hunting seasons and dates
Season Zone Dates
Regular Statewide Dec. 18, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024

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How to Switch to Chicken Layer Feed

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

layer feed nutrients graphicSwitch laying hens to a complete chicken layer feed when chickens start laying eggs around 18 weeks of age. Choose a complete layer feed that includes all 38 essential nutrients laying hens need to lay strong and stay strong. Then make the transition gradually over one week.

When you turn 18, you can do a lot of new things. You can vote, buy fireworks and even try your luck with the lottery. The magical number means: welcome to adulthood.

For backyard chickens, the number 18 means the same thing. Eighteen weeks is the age when laying hens are considered adults. Most excitingly, it’s the time when many chicken breeds will start laying eggs. At this key milestone, switch your hens to a chicken layer feed.

This feed switch is an essential step in the road to farm fresh eggs because hens require different nutrients to produce eggs as compared to when they are growing.

To produce an egg each day, hens need high levels of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Hens transfer many of these nutrients directly into their eggs, so the nutrients in layer feed play an essential role in the eggs hens produce.

Consider the following steps when transitioning to a complete chicken layer feed:

1. Choose a chicken layer feed that matches your goals.

choosing layer feed graphicThe best chicken feed for layers depends on your flock goals. Select a complete layer feed before the transition begins. Ideally, make your layer feed decision by week 16, so you’re ready to make the transition at week 18.

First, look for a complete layer feed. This means the feed should be formulated to provide all 38 unique nutrients laying hens require without a need to supplement.

  • For organic hens and eggs: Purina® Organic layer feed
  • For added omega-3 in your eggs: Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3
  • For strong, healthy hens: Purina® Layena® pellets or crumbles

Each of these chicken layer feeds is made with simple, wholesome ingredients, 16 percent protein, at least 3.25 percent calcium as well as key vitamins and minerals. They also include our exclusive Oyster Strong® System, so everything hens need is included in the bag – no need to supplement.

These are just the essentials, though. Additional ingredients in Purina® complete layer feeds help bring hen health and egg quality to the next level.
A few next-level ingredients to look for include:

  • For rich, yellow yolks: Marigold extract
  • For strong, protective shells: Oyster Strong® System
  • For immune and digestive health: Prebiotics and probiotics
  • For vibrant feathering: Essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine
  • For omega-rich eggs: Added omega-3 fatty acids

2. Transition to chicken layer feed over one week.

When birds reach 18 weeks old or when the first egg arrives, gradually switch your laying hens to a layer feed. It’s important to make the transition over time to prevent digestive upset.

On our farm in Missouri, we’ve found it’s best to make chicken feed transitions over time rather than all at once. We mix the starter-grower feed and layer feed evenly for four or five days. If birds are used to crumbles, start with a crumble layer feed. The same goes with pellets. The more similar the two chicken feeds are, the more smoothly the transition will go.

Many hens will eat the mixed feed without noticing a difference. When laying hens are eating both feeds, you can stop feeding the starter-grower feed and make the complete switch to all-layer feed. It is important to give your birds enough time to adjust to the new diet. Most birds will adjust within a couple of days but some can take a couple of weeks to fully transition to their new diet.

3. Keep chicken feed consistent.

Once the transition to layer feed is complete, it’s best to maintain a routine.

We recommend providing free choice layer feed to hens and switching out the feed each morning and evening. Laying hens eat approximately 0.25 pounds of complete feed each day, equaling about one-half cup.

If birds are free-ranging, offer complete layer feed before they go out in the morning. This will help them consume the essential nutrients before filling up on less nutritionally balanced insects and plants.

It’s important for the complete feed to make up at least 90 percent of the hen’s diet. We feed complete layer feeds on our farm because they are formulated to provide all 38 nutrients hens require at the correct levels. It’s reassuring to know that each bite of feed is balanced to keep our hens healthy and producing quality eggs.

Content courtesy of Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., Nutritionist, Companion Animal Technical Solutions

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Get Comfortable in Style with Orbit Mist Cooling Kit

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Orbit Mist Cooling KitAre you tired of feeling like you’re melting under the scorching sun? Do you feel like your home gets too hot, making it unbearable to function? Say no more! We’ve got the perfect solution for your situation – the Orbit mist cooling kit!

This revolutionary cooling system has taken the market by storm, making it possible for people to remain comfortable and at ease even in the hottest of weather.

When we say that this kit is revolutionary, we’re not kidding. The Orbit mist cooling kit is a specially designed system that uses hot air and then transforms it into cool refreshing air with just a spray of mist. It’s a simple system that comprises a high-pressure pump, a misting line, and spray nozzles. When activated, the high-pressure pump creates a fine mist by spraying a stream of water into the air, which in return evaporates the air, thus cooling it.

What makes the Orbit mist cooling kit exceptional is that it’s designed to work without making your space damp. The fine mist evaporates before it has a chance to accumulate on the floor or on surfaces, so it never leaves your space feeling wet. In addition, the cooling kit is built to fit seamlessly into any physical space, whether you need to keep your home or outdoor area cool, the Orbit mist cooling kit has got you covered.

Now that you understand what the Orbit mist cooling kit is and how it works let’s talk about the benefits. Firstly, the Orbit mist cooling kit is an eco-friendly option, as it consumes very little electricity compared to air conditioning units. Secondly, it effectively controls the humidity levels of your space, keeping you comfortable but not damp. Thirdly, the system is incredibly easy to install and maintain and can be up and running in no time without the need for professional help. Finally, the Orbit mist cooling kit is incredibly affordable, making it accessible to anyone looking to beat the heat.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The Orbit mist cooling kit is also incredibly versatile and can be used in a range of spaces. Whether you’re looking to cool down your backyard patio or a pool party at home, the Orbit mist cooling kit is engineered to serve you effectively.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and eco-friendly cooling system that offers superior performance, the Orbit mist cooling kit is the solution. It’s perfectly designed to fit into any space, effectively cools your area, and maintains your comfort levels while preserving the environment. You shouldn’t have to put up with the unbearable heat when you can keep cool in style with the Orbit mist cooling kit. Head on over to J&N Feed and Seed for your Orbit mist cooling kit supplier today and take the first step towards a comfortable lifestyle.

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