Regarding using corn to put weight on:
Many "nutritionally challenged" people are overweight simply because they eat a poor diet, high in simple carbs, of which corn is one.
Yes, chickens are not people but to put weight on a chicken by giving it some corn is all well and good, but a nutritionally sound diet, free- fed with plenty of water will allow a chicken to monitor his or her weight on their own. If the chicken is losing condition despite the availability of good feed then there's a problem that a little corn won't help.
On the other hand if you want the quick weight on them because they'll be a meal, that is another matter. However, there's some scientific literature about the effects of meat from corn-fed animals. This meat source is low in good omega acids and high in the bad kind.
Don't skimp on nutrition just because they aren't laying. Winters can be hard on them, especially in cold climates.
To answer the original question: I switch mine to Flock Raiser from Layena during the winter, whether they lay or not. They need the extra protein now that there's no bugs to chomp on.
And I'll supplement them with additional protein as needed.
And I don't light them up. They deserve their rest.
Mary
Many "nutritionally challenged" people are overweight simply because they eat a poor diet, high in simple carbs, of which corn is one.
Yes, chickens are not people but to put weight on a chicken by giving it some corn is all well and good, but a nutritionally sound diet, free- fed with plenty of water will allow a chicken to monitor his or her weight on their own. If the chicken is losing condition despite the availability of good feed then there's a problem that a little corn won't help.
On the other hand if you want the quick weight on them because they'll be a meal, that is another matter. However, there's some scientific literature about the effects of meat from corn-fed animals. This meat source is low in good omega acids and high in the bad kind.
Don't skimp on nutrition just because they aren't laying. Winters can be hard on them, especially in cold climates.
To answer the original question: I switch mine to Flock Raiser from Layena during the winter, whether they lay or not. They need the extra protein now that there's no bugs to chomp on.
And I'll supplement them with additional protein as needed.
And I don't light them up. They deserve their rest.
Mary
