Feeding suet as a treat in winter (once in a while)

[cluckmecoop7]

I've found that you can entertain chickens with suet and a suet feeder anytime of the year. But winter is probably the best time to give it to them. But warning: Make sure you read the ingredients well before feeding. Also, I don't give suet to my chooks if the package says "for wild birds only" just to be safe. I found that my local Ace Hardware was having a deal on it so I bought four to give this winter. Oh, and only give it once in a while as a treat, to much might get the chickens sick, but I'm not sure so don't take my word on it.

Just wanted to share this quick info.

- Clucky

 

[ValerieJ]

There is a chicken block that is formulated for chickens too. I've thought about getting that from time to time, but haven't ever done it yet.

 

[chickens really]

Suet is way too high in fat for domestic chickens. They don't metabolize feed like wild birds..
I'm seeing fatty liver syndrome written all over that diet..

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Suet is way too high in fat for domestic chickens. They don't metabolize feed like wild birds..
I'm seeing fatty liver syndrome written all over that diet..

Its not a diet, its a treat every once in a while.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Have you determined your chickens need more fat?
A complete chicken feed contains the appropriate amount of fat.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Have you determined your chickens need more fat?
A complete chicken feed contains the appropriate amount of fat.

"Everything is under control.", as the saying goes.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

"Everything is under control.", as the saying goes.

So I ask again, why would you want to add fat to the diet?
Very occasionally, it is probably ok.
Did you read somewhere that chickens need a lot of fat in winter?

 

[333113]

I don't see anything wrong with a suet-type treat on occasion. There are lots of recipes on the internet for making your own, many of which look very similar to the goodies my grandmother made for her chickens. In her day (1930s Great Depression era), it was an economical way to feed chickens without letting anything from the kitchen go to waste.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

So I ask again, why would you want to add fat to the diet?
Very occasionally, it is probably ok.
Did you read somewhere that chickens need a lot of fat in winter?

Alright: No, its not about the fat. Its the entertainment. And when they eat it, it counts as "food", sort of. Just a nice treat to give if your chickens are getting board. (And remember, I said 'once in a while'. DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM TO MUCH.)

 

[trumpeting_angel]

There are great things you can stuff into a suet feeder that entertain and safely feed the chickens. Some folks stuff greens in there, or another vegetable or fruit. And of course, like the suet intended for wild birds, seeds or scratch stuck to something that they can wrestle out of there.