Cold weather treat suggestions....

[kmollyhughes]

This will be my first WI term with my flock, I know it's only september, but can anyone tell me some pointers for winter to keep my flock safe from the cold, they are free range during the day in yhere coop at night, Thanks

Clean, dry coop! Good ventilation to avoid frostbite. Good layer of straw/shavings. When my flock (100+) start to head back into the runs and coops I bring out warm oatmeal so they go to bed all toasty warm. Last winter was brutal cold. -25' and colder for weeks at night and I eventually added a heat lamp over the roost of my layer coop to help my larger combed boys and girls. My bantam/silkie coop did fine without any help. Winter isn't fun for us or them. Fresh warm water, or alfalfa soaked in warm water makes a nice morning treat. I also freeze grated zucchini all summer to give them warm "zucchini soup" during the winter. Cheap warm treat for them.

 

[kmollyhughes]

Apparently Growers Feed is protein rich?

Layer feed is usually around 16% and starter/grower is usually around 20%. If you want an actual protein boost you can try game bird or turkey feed. Usually 28-30% protein.