Best Winter Chicken Foods

[velo99]

Quote:
Sorry, its true that corn warms birds. My pigeons will eat the popcorn first when it starts getting cooler.
One other thing, I feed my chickens pigeon pellets too. 14% and it contains minerals and vitamins. I give the hens some oyster shell when they have been laying pretty fast and consistently. I heard a calcium deficiency can lead to interuterine and eggs passing problems.

jmho

 

[leasmom]

Really! Wow...and my family wonders why I'm on BYC everyday...cause theres so much to learn!

Do the chickens get calcium from greens too???

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
Jimho:

Your comment on the heating value of corn..................

Oh forget it, I've used too much oxygen trying to debunk that myth.

Jim

 

[leasmom]

I don't think it matters. I don't want this to turn into a debate on that. Please post what you feed your chickens during the winter for me and other newbies. Thanks.

 

[cluckychick]

I feed boxed ceral, warmed in the microwave with a cup of water. They had honey bunches of oats this morning. I also fix them oatmeal, rice, leftovers from dinner and microwave popcorn. They eat just about everything I eat minus a few item that are toxic like potatoes and chocolate, lol.

 

[the simple life]

While there may be some calcium in some greens and it is in there layer feed as well, you still need to offer them some oyster shell because they need more than these foods can give them.
It takes alot of calcium to make nice hard shells and if they don't get enough they will have soft shells or mishapen shells.
If you don't give them enough calcium they will draw it from their bodies as much as possible.
I have heard to that it will deplete their bodies of calcium and cause problems.
Lets not everyone get into debates.
Someone asked for advice on what to feed, she didn't ask anyone to argue over who is right and who is wrong.
If you have a food to add to the list, then add it.

 

[the simple life]

This is a list of plants that are poisonous to chickens.
http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html

This is a list of treats that are acceptable to chickens, according a list compiled by members of this forum.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[leasmom]

Thats a long list of toxic foods-boy. And thats a good list of treats, esp. the pictures of them eating oatmeal...Mine usually love peas, though I give them to it sparingly, why...my daughter LOVES peas so I have to sneak and give them 'her' peas. But, I tried giving them apples once and they looked at me like what in the world am I supposed to do with that? I think they ended up eating it. They love cucumbers though, I just discovered that. And I usually pick greens from the garden and grass...I gave them a handful of grass yesterday and some kohlabri greens.

Thanks for the list so far...anyone else?

 

[lexibrite]

I have put the heat lamp on my chickies. It has been in the 30's here in Wa State. For some reason the lamp doesn't seem to be putting out much heat. My girls are mostly sleeping outside the hut and not roosting at night. Any idea why that might be?

 

[the simple life]

hmm, not sure about that. My first guess would have been that they are too hot but since you say the heat lamp isn't putting out any real heat then I am not sure.
How long have they been living in the coop?