cracked corn

[jossanne]

I've never given my chickens cracked corn before. We used scratch with our last flock, but haven't because of the mix of ages in the henhouse. I was given a 40 pound sack of corn this morning for my chickens, and I don't know if it's okay to start feeding it yet. I've got birds out there 24 weeks old, 12 weeks old and 8 weeks old, all mixed in the same coop. Is it ok for the youngsters to have cracked corn, or should I not supplement much while they're still eating grower rations? I keep layer pellets and grower feed out free choice 24/7.

 

[NYREDS]

Giving layer to 8 week olds is a much bigger problem than giving them coren.
The layer has way too much calcium and can harm young bird's kidneys.
A little bit of corn won't hurt them. They'll enjoy ot & you'll enjoy watching them scramble for it.

 

[silkiechicken]

Just use the corn as a treat just like scratch. Our scratch here is mostly corn.

 

[jossanne]

I realize the layer feed isn't ideal for the babies, but I spend a lot of time in the henhouse, and all I see them eat is the grower feed. I'm a chicken nerd and it's my favorite activity to go sit on the floor of the henhouse and let them walk all over me

They all prefer the grower feed, though I do see the 5 big birds eating the pellets. I think because the layer feed is pelleted, it isn't as attractive to the little birds. I don't see any other solution, as all 35 birds live in the same coop, and I don't have anywhere else to keep them.

Thanks for the advice on the corn. I gave them some a few minutes ago, and it was a hit.

 

[Recon]

I read somewhere that corn has a lot of calories which can help them stay warm in winter. So I usually give my birds a little extra corn in the colder months. I'd save it till then if I were you.

 

[HaleMoa]

you could use a hanging feeder to suspend the layer feed at a height that only your layer hens can reach and your 8-weekers can dream to attain that height someday soon.

 

[Chicabee19]

you could use a hanging feeder to suspend the layer feed at a height that only your layer hens can reach

That is another excellent idea!​

 

[jossanne]

That is a good idea. Thanks!