Ever used course cracked corn to keep your chickens warm at night?

[NHchicks]

Because the chicken expert at the feed store today said if you feed them a few handfuls of course cracked corn before bedtime, it warms their stomachs, he said it was kind of similar to how whiskey (supposedly) warms you up. Something about their gizzards working on it all night or something, made them feel warm.

I tried it tonight. I don't know if they'll be warmer, but they sure did love it.

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else had heard that before.

 

[Kittymomma]

I do it when we have really cold weather. I don't think it heats them up the way the feed store guy said, but they love the darn stuff so much that I know they go to roost with a super full crop and digesting it alone will up their temp a bit.

Mostly I just feel better knowing they're good and full before bed and have the extra calories in them that they need to mantain body heat through the cold winter nights.

 

[Dunkopf]

I think it's the same as feeding a horse grain at dusk during the winter. Makes their metabolism burn hotter. Unless you live in a really cold climate you shouldn't have to worry about the cold as long as your coop is well ventilated at the top to draw moisture out and no direct breezes on the birds.

 

[woodmort]

In the winter I always toss a few handfuls of scratch into the birds when I close them up for the night which is an hr or two before the lights go out. In theory, at least, the corn plus their picking it up should help keep them warm for the night.

 

[speckledhen]

Digesting anything should keep them warmer, but corn has no special properties that generate heat. Might want to check out this discussion about that very thing we had awhile back:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=74876

 

[Mac in Wisco]

They'll eat what they need of their regular layer feed to keep warm regardless. They don't need the extra protein and mineral intake though. Layer feeds are formulated to give the correct amount of protein and mineral intake at an average caloric intake. If it's very cold outside they eat more and more feed to fulfill their energy requirements. By giving a little corn you can help them meet the increased energy requirement without taking in excess protein and minerals.

 

[BWKatz]

Quote:
Well said.

 

[NHchicks]

I'm super impressed with the knowledge on this website. I guess that's why everyone loves it so much.

So while feeding corn doesn't exactly raise body temperature or make them feel warmer, it keeps their calories high enough to allow their metabolism to fight the cold without losing weight, in a way that doesn't add too much protein to their diets.

I think I get that. And on cold nights I'll keep throwing them some cracked corn to keep their internal heat generators going, and plump them up so they stay cute.

Oh, and because they seem to absolutely love it. A happy chicken makes a happy chicken owner, I always say.

 

[woodmort]

Corn is about 41% carbohydrates and 14% fat both can be burned for energy to keep the birds warm. If not burned it can be stored as fat and burned later. In those areas where it gets cold--i.e. below zero--and with the shorter daylight/active period this will be an asset to your birds.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

What about whole corn kernals?