Feeding green stuff??

[Kleo]

My 6 barred Rocks are a month old.... they love the green peas and beans I give them in small quantities, and they peck at the grasses outside. Is there a limit on how much they can eat of peas, lettuce, and beans that I give. At this point I am being very careful not to over do it but they go crazy for my veggies.

 

[chfite]

They should be able to get grit from the soil, if they are outdoors pecking at the grass. Generally, treats are limited to ~10% of the diet. Whether grass and peas are treats, I don't know. The chicks need the protein in the feed, so I would concentrate on their eating properly.

Older chickens will eat enough feed to go along with whatever else they get, given in moderation. Mine forage and have feed always available in the coop. So they have as much of each as they want. I just don't know about chicks.

Chris

 

[Kleo]

Thanks Chris, My girls always have food available but wasn't sure how many green things like peas and beans they little bodies could handle. I am careful for sure no to over do it but then watch them constantly snacking on grass and clover so wonder if I am worrying for nothing. Did know how much their crops and gizzards could handle at a month old. Kleo

 

[wsmith]

Thanks Chris, My girls always have food available but wasn't sure how many green things like peas and beans they little bodies could handle. I am careful for sure no to over do it but then watch them constantly snacking on grass and clover so wonder if I am worrying for nothing. Did know how much their crops and gizzards could handle at a month old. Kleo

They will usually "self-regulate" when it comes to eating. I've never seen a chicken overeat per se. To suppliment commercial feeds, I feed mine kitchen scraps, and all the weeds and trimmings I get when doing yard work. I load it up into the wheelbarrow and dump it in the run. All of my birds, old ones, juveniles, chicks, Turkeys, etc eat until they are full or tired of the particular food, then go off and do something else. When the crop is full, they go lay down in the shade or dust bath, nap, etc.

 

[Taylor]

I limit my flock on scraps from the kitchen, i do give them peas 2-3 times a week. I do allow them to free-range so they eat grass all the time. they can have as much grass as they want. Free-ranging makes your flock healthier and gives them nice shiny feathers, and makes the eggs dark orange and makes the eggs much healthier for you.

 

[Kleo]

Thank you.... Good info. Kleo

 

[Kleo]

Thanks for the feed back.... doing less worrying that they will get sick. Kleo