Feeding my hens

[Grant Wilson]

What are some feed, treats and other stuff I should give for my laying hens?

 

[SilkieNation]

A good quality layer feed, oyster shells free choice. Experts say not more than 10% of their diet should be treats. Some even say 5%. Here's some:
Greens (kale, dandelion, spinach, lettuces)
Berries, grapes, raisins, watermelon
Other fruits (probably not citrus)
Peas, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, other veges
Meal worms (you can buy them dried in bags), crickets
Whole grains, oatmeal
Black oil sunflower seeds
Eggs - yes...a lot of people scramble them - I boil them
Some people feed meat, even chicken...
Generally, healthy food that you would eat. I like to make sure that the treats are nutrient packed.

No sugary or salty stuff, green potatoes, some same avocados, uncooked beans, rotten, moldy or otherwise gross things.
I wouldn't give them much white bread and other no-so-nutritious starches.
Corn creates internal heat, so don't give them much, if any in the warm weather, but it's great in the cold, particularly before they go to sleep.

 

[Grant Wilson]

Wow thanks for all that info!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Mine go gaga for wheatgrass. They also really like homemade flock block (I use canned pumpkin and rehydrated alpha pellets as a base, mix with molasses, the fine powder from their feed, scratch, meal worms, eggs, etc.).

 

[Grant Wilson]

I might try it!

 

[SilkieNation]

Mine go gaga for wheatgrass. They also really like homemade flock block (I use canned pumpkin and rehydrated alpha pellets as a base, mix with molasses, the fine powder from their feed, scratch, meal worms, eggs, etc.).

Yum to the flock block! (Say my chickens!) Yes pumpkin - forgot about that. I used to give mine wheat grass in the winter - forgot about that too...

I'd cut it down a bit as they are bantams. They did like it a lot and it's super healthy.