can I feed them this corn?

[frankenchick]

I found a pile of corn that had apparently fallen from a truck going to the elevator. I scooped up some and took it home, drying it in the oven after making pies for T'giving.

Can I feed this to the girls? Do I need to smash it first? Should I offer it free choice, or mix with food, or what?

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Make sure you crack (crush) it first! Chickens can't digest whole corn kernals. I'd give it sparringly as a treat.

 

[Katy]

You don't have to crack it. I've fed whole corn to my chickens for years. I go out in our corn fields and gather up the ears that we missed when combining the corn. I just throw a couple of ears into their pen in the late afternoon as a treat when it's cold out.

 

[FryedChikenNGravy]

To say chickens can't digest whole corn is "out there". Some chickens do experience problems when eating it because it is larger but they can eat it and will eat it very well.
I'd give it in small quantities as well. They don't need a lot of it.

 

[ksacres]

Chickens that haven't been outside or given grit will have a hard time digesting it whole. Chickens that free range or are given grit have pieces lodged in their crops for grinding and will be fine with whole corn. Grit is not necessary for chickens fed mash diets...

 

[rufus]

Make sure it isn't seed corn that has been treated with a fungicide.

Rufus

 

[picklespickles]

i think it's cool you found free corn. enjoy!