Feeling confused about scraps and eggs

[sovia]

My chickens are about 18 weeks old now. I have been feeding them Purina chick feed plus a lot of scraps from the kitchen. The scraps have been from fruits and vegetables with occasional meat/fish scraps also being added. I have never given them anything processed besides the chick feed.

I have read on this forum that fruit delays egg-laying and to limit treats. But, then again, I have also read about all those chickens that are getting scraps daily or else free-ranging as a way to reduce feed costs and also improve the quality of the eggs. What gives? When is it too much of a good thing?

 

[Chuntgray]

I rasing chickens for the first time. I feed them chicken food ( I always have their feeder full) They free range a little and I give them scrap food. This time of year they love a nice big zuccunnie (sp) I cut it long ways in two parts they go cazy over it. My eggs are perfect strong, big,colorful and good. I also crush up the shells and feed it to them they do not eat alot of the shells. They started off laying slow. Now it's nuts. I have 9 hens that lay and I am getting 5-7 eggs everyday. Cindy

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Sovia ~

If the hens droppings seem pretty firm and normal, then you're doing fine in the feeding department.

I believe we worry too much about feeding our pets... all of them, not just chickens. We got a new kitten today, and went to the pet store to get food. There was a complete aisle with all types of pet food from which to choose!
Your girls should do well with your feeding regimen.

Carla

 

[fowltemptress]

I found this forum, read everything on how much scraps to feed, not to feed fruit, that sort of stuff . . . and promptly ignored it. I think people spend alot of time over thinking a few things. Do your chickens seem healthy to you? If they do, I wouldn't worry about it.

I did do a search and found this.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

It has a nice list with links to toxic plants and whatnot, which is always good to know.

 

[cmom]

Mine have access 24/7 to their food and water. I give them treats of scratch, (oats, sunflower seeds, once in awhile bird seed, cracked corn etc.), in small quanities as these are treats. I also give them vegies, fruits, most everything that I can grow. I do grow a lot of corn and watermelon especially, also tomatoes, squash, root crops, the list can go on. I feed them everything except potatoes. I figure they will eat what they want. I do free range them. I make sure they have plenty of grit and oyster shells.

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I have never had any problem with their egg laying. I switch to layer feed as soon as I got my first egg. I had a little leftover starter/grower that I mixed in with the layer and have never had a problem with their eating. I know some people just switched but I thought that mixing the last little bit would be ok and they are doing just fine.

 

[sovia]

Thanks for all your replies! I feel better and I agree that one tends to overthink things, especially when one is a newbie like myself!

 

[cmom]

We all had to start somewhere. that's why we're chicken geeks now.