Fattening for the winter??

[valmom]

Should we be trying to put weight on our chickies for the winter so they have reserves to keep warm? We aren't planning on heating the coop (in case the power goes out they will survive) but we will heat water. Will they stay warmer if they have some weight? How do I get them to eat more? More goodies (they will eat sunflower seeds all day long)? They have layer pellets down at all times with hand fed seeds and corn and flax seeds.

Should I keep feeding layer pellets all winter even though they aren't laying- we are not lighting the coop and the egg production is slacking off drastically (like one egg every few days from 6 hens). Is it ok to feed layer pellets even if they stop laying for the winter?

 

[silkiechicken]

I wouldn't fatten them up as that can lead to laying problems in the spring. Just keep feed available and a handful of corn at night to keep them burning hot.

 

[Standard Hen]

Yes,,,just add some cracked corn to there laying pellets like silkie said. I do not heat my coops and they do just fine. Your doing fine!!!!