Feedback on Learning Center "Treats Chart"

[realsis]

Yes they eat them in nature. However they can transmit a parasite that causes gape worm. Same with snails and sluggs. But from the articles I've read that slight chance shouldn't stop your chickens from enjoying the worms. You can do some research and make a decision for yourself weather or not it's worth the risk to you. Some say the risk is very minimal but educate yourself and then decide. I just wanted to let you know it is possible. However many chickens enjoy earth worms and never have any problems.

 

[Crazy hick chic]

Hi
Thank you for responding I continued to do some research after asking for help and it seems that giving some DE (Diatomaceous Earth) with their feed every 4 months or so will help keep them pest free and works good to ward off gape worms freeing them up to keep my yard free of pest bugs and enjoy some big fat earthworms. I appreciate your feedback when I first heard that they can get gapeworms and then looking into what they were and what they looked like I went into panic mode (ever seen the discovery show eaten alive) yeah my mind went there and I was about the have a cow! I didn't see anywhere that the chances are low so that eases my mind a lot. Again thank you and may the flock be with you!

 

[Rosanna]

I'm new to raising chicks and mine are currently 6 weeks old. I haven't given them any treats yet since I wasn't sure at what age I could and what treats would be good to start them out on. I've read mixed opinions. This treat chart is very helpful, I'll print it out, thank you!

 

[anitaschickens]

Why isn't Cantaloupe mentioned?

 

[ddrake]

Just fed my fowl friends blueberry yogurt for the first time the other day and they were timid at first and then tried it and were ok with it, and then they found out berries were in it and they LOVED IT!

 

[turtlechix]

I fed one of my girls some of my left over sweet potato that had butter, a little cinnamon and no sugar. I did it to calm her so she could divert her attention to the food rather than my holding her. I pulled little pieces from the potato as she sat on my on my lap. I kept putting my finger to her beak until she finally tasted it then there was no more coaxing needed. She went for it like it was her favorite treasure. Also my chickens love whole hominy from the can.

 

[Jillycutt]

Hello,

This is a great resource. Can the treat chart be found in printable format somewhere?

Thank you!

 

[Joe Bakkie]

Corn Tortillas are awesome treats too. I saw my neighbor doing it so I tried them and they love them

 

[Johanna1]

Happy 2015! I have been browsing old posts (2011 etc) learned quite a bit...I had no idea avocados were bad for chickens and however, did know mealy worms can be overdone, they belong in the 'treats' column. The reason I came on board this morning is for the question of cracked corn in scratch. My flock (29-30) never cleans it up, they eat all the other grain, even the mice, pack rats etc. won't eat it!....I suspect the feed purveyor is 'off-loading his surplus corn...anyone else have that feeling? As to lay-crumbles, our 'meter-reader' for our local electric co. raises all his meat from goats to chickens....he taught me to make a fairly thick mash, like your would for ducks, out of the crumbles....the chickens truly love this. According to the size of your flock and in the mornings, in my case....1 1/2 medium scoops of lay-crumble and just enough water to make a thick mash in approx: an 5" deep x 20"wide rubber barnyard dish....trial and error. If your gang hasn't cleaned this up by the end of the day, you're making too much. Have a wonderful New Year!

 

[ChicksN Coffee]

Being new to the chicken world, we look for ways to provide a good life to our feathered family members just as we have done for our canine family members over the years. This list will be used and referenced several times. I have bookmarked it for later also. Thank you for putting it together.