Top Tips from Mercury Bay Farm Supply for keeping Chickens, Horses, and Dogs

Lisa Gearon is well known for her friendly and welcoming manner. If you don’t find the answer you need below amongst her top tips, she encourages you to come in to see her at Mercury Bay Farm Supply and discuss your specific needs. And, if you're lucky, you might even get to meet Willie Nelson, the resident pet shop pig, and give him a pat. So, whether you're a seasoned animal owner or just starting out, Lisa has some great advice to share.

Five Top Tips for Keeping Chickens

If you're thinking of keeping chickens, there are a few key things you need to know to ensure your feathered friends are healthy, happy, and productive. Here are Mercury Bay Farm Supply owner Lisa Gearon’s top tips:

What supplies do I need to raise chickens and what is the best feed to feed chickens?

• If you're hatching chicks, you'll need an incubator, clean dry bedding (shavings or hay), and chicken crumble to start them on for the first few weeks of life
• For older pullets, you'll need a pullet grower feed, fresh water, and free-ranging space if possible.

What are the essentials for a chicken coop?

• Chickens need enough space to move and breed comfortably, so make sure your coop is dry and spacious enough for all your chickens.The bedding should be cleaned regularly depending on how many chickens you have to ensure they have a clean living space
• A roosting area and a place for them to lay their eggs are essential
• Freshwater, clean food, and safety from predators are also key.

What should I feed my chickens for good eggs?

• High protein food with meat and bone meal is ideal for good quality eggs
• If they're not getting bugs or scraps with meat, their egg yolks will be pale and the shells may become soft.

What is the best number of chickens to keep?

• It depends on how much space you have and how many eggs you want
• Don't overcrowd them, as happy chickens will lay more eggs.

How often should I feed my chickens?

• Some chickens may do better with twice a day feeding, while others only need one feeding per day
• If they have constant access to food, they will feed themselves when needed, but be mindful of overfeeding.

Lisa knows that keeping chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can ensure your chickens are healthy and productive, while also providing you with delicious, fresh eggs.

Seven Top Horse tips

Keeping horses can be a wonderful experience, but it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. One of the most important aspects of caring for a horse is ensuring that they are receiving a balanced diet. People often ask Lisa what is balancer feed and is feed balancer good for horses? 

With this in mind, here are Mercury Bay Farm Supply Lisa Gearons’ top tips for keeping horses:

Understand the importance of balanced feed

A balanced diet is essential for horses to maintain good health and perform well. Horses require a balance of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support their body functions.

Seek professional advice

If you're not sure what to feed your horse or how much to feed them, seek advice from a qualified equine nutritionist. They can help you develop a feeding plan that meets your horse's individual needs.

Choose high-quality feed

It's important to choose high-quality feed that is free from mold and other contaminants. Look for feed that is specifically formulated for your horse's age, breed, and activity level.

Provide access to clean water

Horses require access to clean, fresh water at all times. Make sure their water troughs are cleaned regularly and topped up with fresh water.

Offer plenty of roughage

Horses are natural grazers and require a lot of roughage to maintain good digestive health. Offer your horse plenty of hay or pasture to graze on.

Consider the horse's energy needs

Horses have different energy needs depending on their activity level. If you're asking your horse to perform at a high level, they may require additional energy from their feed.

Monitor your horse's weight

Keep an eye on your horse's weight and body condition. If they are losing or gaining too much weight, adjust their feeding plan accordingly.

Lisa has her own horses and knows that keeping horses can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of hard work and attention to detail. Ensuring that your horse is receiving a balanced diet is essential for their health and wellbeing. By following these top tips, you can help your horse thrive and enjoy a long and happy life.

Five Top Tips for Pet and Working Farm Dogs

If you're a pet owner or a farmer who relies on dogs to help with work, you know how important it is to keep your furry friends healthy and happy. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure they're getting the right nutrition. Lisa often gets asked Is raw dog food better for dogs and what are the pros and cons of raw dog food, and how much raw food should I feed my dog?

Here are Mercury Bay Farm Supply owner Lisa Gearon’s top tips to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your dogs:

The key is to choose the right dog food

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which dog food is best. Dry, wet, canned, and raw are all viable options, but raw food is often preferred due to dogs' biology and makeup. However, every dog is different, so it's best to try out different brands and types of food to see which one your dog prefers.

Be mindful of how much you feed your dog

Feeding recommendations are often included on the bags of feed you buy, and they typically go by weight. Be careful not to overfeed your dog, as this can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and joint pain. Treats are great, but they should be given in moderation.

Keep an eye on your dog's weight

Regularly check your dog's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. This will help prevent health issues down the line, and ensure that they're getting the right amount of nutrients.

Know your dog's exercise needs

Just like people, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical activity to keep their body and mind engaged. This could include daily exercise on the farm, walks, runs, or playtime in the backyard.

Treat your dog occasionally

While it's important not to overdo it with treats, it's also important to show your dog love and appreciation. Treats can be a great way to do this, but make sure they're healthy and not too frequent.

Lisa has years of farm experience and knows that,feeding your pet or working farm dog a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to their overall health and well-being. By choosing the right food, monitoring their weight, and providing enough exercise, you can ensure your furry friend is happy and healthy for years to come.

About Mercury Bay Farm Supply 

Mercury Bay Farm Supply is a family-friendly farm supply store that offers a wide range of products for all your animal needs. Whether you have farm, lifestyle block or urban pet animals Lisa and team have everything you need to keep your animals healthy and happy. 

Mercury Bay Farm Supply carries a range of products for chickens, horses, dogs, and other animals, including feed, supplements, and accessories. They also have a selection of garden supplies, fertilizers, and pest control products for your farm or lifestyle block. 

The Mercury Bay Farm Supply team pride themselves on their friendly, approachable style, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Drop into the store or give them a call, you'll not only find everything you need, but you'll also receive personalised service that goes above and beyond.