Can Pullets Eat Alfalfa?

[birdsrfun]

I have a laying hen, and two pullets. I was wanting to spread out alfalfa hay on the ground, since it's bare, so they can get some greens and occupy their time scratching around. The pullets are still several weeks away from laying, and we are feeding grower feed.

I see that alfalfa is high in calcium. Should I feed it to my pullets?

 

[perchie.girl]

I have a laying hen, and two pullets. I was wanting to spread out alfalfa hay on the ground, since it's bare, so they can get some greens and occupy their time scratching around. The pullets are still several weeks away from laying, and we are feeding grower feed.

I see that alfalfa is high in calcium. Should I feed it to my pullets?

Its a good forage substitution... as long as they are on grit or dirt you should have no problem. I used to give my pens each a flake of hay once a mont as enrichemnt and a dietary boost. I free feed their flock grower so they really arent hungry when i put the hay in.

deb

 

[birdsrfun]

Thanks perchie.girl. Is the calcium content okay for pullets?

 

[jpalmatier83]

I believe if the feeding is at liberty it should be fine. Similar to oyster shell, if they've had their fill of a micronutrient they should back off the source. Im assuming based on what you said the alfalfa isn't a primary feed source? Giving the chicks a choice is different than providing a high calcium layer feed as their primary source of nutrition.

 

[perchie.girl]

Thanks perchie.girl. Is the calcium content okay for pullets?

take a look at the feed you are already giving them... you will find Alfalfa in there... I really dont believe they can get too much from just flake alfalfa.

deb