Feeding the girls porridge

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newfoundland

newfoundland

Songster
9 Years
Jul 1, 2010
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When I got my ex battery hens, the lady advised me to give them warm porridge in the winter to keep out the cold. I did this last year with the addition of some dried fruit and honey. This is a wonderful insulator against the cold, but should I give them their layers pellets first and give it as an afternoon treat, or give it first thing in the morning as porridge is intended to be eaten? Any Scots chicken keepers out their?
 
I am not a Scot, well I am a little bit, but that's a whole 'nother story.
Just wanted to say that when I want to give my chickens something like warm oatmeal, I give it to them late in the afternoons an hour or so before they go to roost. Gives them something warm and filling in the crop right before bed.
 
I someitmes make a warm porridge for my girls in the winter too. But I mix in some of their layer feed, a bit of scratch and some BOSS with it. I give it to them in the morning, but an evening feeding sounds like a good idea. I'll also take left over soup(s) and mix layer feed to thicken it up more. The girls love it.
 
In the winter I have gotten in the habit of making a "porridge" and giving to my chicks just before bed as well. They look forward to a hot meal. I use their pellets, warm water, yogurt, sometimes leftover oatmeal, etc. and create a warm moist mash. Most important thing to them seems to be the warmth of it.
 
How interesting. I am new with Silkie Chickens and will try the warm oatmeal and honey in the evening. Not sure what else to give as a treat that is for warmth and stay healthy.
Aria
 
Quote:
BOSS = black oil sunflower seed (not the striped ones). I don't know why anyone would add honey, although I'm sure there's a reason I just haven't read about yet. I avoid any type of sweetener with my chickens as much as possible.
I offer straight oatmeal. My hens and roos love it. Lots of enjoyment watching them pick it off each others beaks.
 
My father in law (who raised chickens for many, many years) was over the other day near dusk when my girls were heading into the coop. He picked one up and felt her crop to be sure it was stuffed full. He said a full crop is important because chickens almost hibernate at night, going into a very deep sleep, and without a full crop to sustain them, they don't thrive as well.
(sortof reminds me of giving my kids a bedtime snack so they didn't wake up so early starving to death!)

I accidently bought a bag of Layena pellets instead of crumbles, and my girls turn up their beaks at it. Well, they're still free ranging, so they're a bit picky yet. So I've begun taking a half gallon of the pellets and soaking it in hot water to make a mash. I throw in kitchen scraps, a cup of scratch and BOSS, and they're ecstatic! Kinda like porridge, but more like making lemonade from lemons.
 

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