aint laying

[WindyOaksYokes]

Can someone answer a question for me with regards to corn/scratch? I have been giving mine a little (maybe 2 handfulls between 50 of them) in the morning and at night when they are getting ready to roost for the night (its been getting down to around 50 here overnight)... from what you all are saying this is not a good idea.. am I correct??? I have just been giving it to them as a little treat to say good morning and goodnight. If you dont mind... please advise... Thank you.... Tes

 

[horsewishr]

I'd be interested in the answer, too.

Coming from the horse world, I've also heard numerous times that corn is "hot." According to the veterinarian, this is urban myth. If I remember correctly, the problem with corn is that it's virtually pure starch, with no nutritive value. It's like feeding your kids white bread instead of wheat.

Scratch, OTOH, contains wheat berries, right? I would think it would be healthier. But perhaps not as balanced as laying mash?

 

[ozark hen]

I read, in another thread, that it was ok if you were giving the corn as a treat but I would nix the twice a day thing. Maybe once in awhile, stick to fresh veggies and fruit for this time of year. Even in winter they could use fresh veggies and fruit. again, this is what I have learned from other threads.

 

[9red2blk]

Hi al have problem my 1year old are not laying very good as they were. The pullets should start any day. I"am feeding crack corn and scratch grain and Laying mash. My quistion is am i feeding the wrong stuff and if so what is I should be feeding. I think it is the crack corn.
Bob
North West Ind

 

[nccountrygirl]

Yep you are. Go to the index and find Feeding Time, it's full of threads about what to feed at different time of the year, Good Luck

 

[silkiechicken]

Yep, 2 handfulls a day in winter are fine. I usually give about 20 hens a cup of scratch before bed time to help them stay warm overnight when it gets into the 30's.

 

[WindyOaksYokes]

Thanks for answering my question. I did go out today and bought my babies frozen corn and a few other COLD goodies (got worried about them LOL) DH just simply thinks Im 100% certified crazy... also asked why I bought oatmeal LOL... hmmm I only wish he would sit down and read a bit of this!! LOL
Tes

 

[Pine Grove]

Doesn't corn lose it's "heat making stored energy zap" once it's cracked or ground? Just me, but I think the whole kernel corn is where you will run into trouble.