Flock Block...was it a mistake?

[remuda1]

My birds were staying at the block too much as well. They free range from dawn until about 1:00 pm. I found a rectangular bucket (from cat litter), washed it well and inverted it over the block. I take it off now and then for an hour or so as a treat but it was much too cracklike for me to be comfortable letting them have 24/7 access to it.

 

[txchickie]

I only used a flock block as extra insurance while I was out of town. We had someone coming over to check/feed animals, but I still needed something for a little extra peace of mind. I put out a flock block so I'd be sure that they at least wouldn't starve to death

They LOVED it, though. It was nearly gone when I got back and I was only gone 4 days.

 

[Marcymom3]

Quote:
Good idea!

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Quote:
I think the nutrition level depends on the brand of Flock Block used. I haven't tried it yet, but I had previously found this one on My Pet Chicken's website and it has double the protein as the Flock Block listed by chickenzoo and does not have corn as the main ingredient. Here's a small excerpt from their description and the ingredient list:

***********************************************************************************************
Ingredients promote digestive health with probiotics, important amino acids, vitamin E and additional Omega-3s. They are not a complete ration, so be sure to offer this in conjunction with your flock's regular feed! Place in a secure "no-tip" feed tray off the ground and away from moisture.

Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein (min): 17%
Fat (min): 6%
Fiber (max): 7%
Moisture (max): 12%

Ingredients: Proso millet, cracked corn, UltraKibble (corn gluten meal, corn, soybean meal, linseed meal, catfish meal, dicalcium phosphate, crustacean meal, yeast culture, dried vegetables, vitamin premix, salt (NaCl), choline, chloride, cinnamon and assorted spices, DE, Primalac, lysine, selenium), oats, gelatin, corn syrup, dried cranberries, black sunflower seeds, zeolite, vegetable pomace, vitamin supplement.

 

[al6517]

Quote:
They can get their needed Calcium supplement in other safer forms, as I know you know what they are.

Flock block can and does frequently get over used if they are left to choose junk food snacks verses a well balanced diet. just watch any child at the dinner table and watch what they reach for first LOL. chickens are the same way, that's why over treating your flock can be so unhealthy.

 

[teach1rusl]

I would like to find the flock block you mentioned ArizonaDesertChicks - wonder if it costs an arm and a leg?? The homemade ones sound like a good option too.
But yeah, most of the Flock Blocks I've seen (at Tractor Supply and other feed stores) only have about 9 or 10% protein - lots of tasty fillers - not much on nutrition. I tried one (not me personally...lol) last winter as a boredom buster, but mine would only eat at it if we busted off and broke up chunks for them.

 

[Marcymom3]

The one I got came from TSC and is going to disappear tonight after they go to bed. (Remember those drums that disappeared that time? LOL) I will be experimenting with something homemade in the near future. Hopefully, I will be able to make it as healthy for them as their regular feed. Maybe I can break up what's left of this one and use some of it in the homemade one.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

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Teach1 -- I haven't priced the other ones, so I don't know how this one compares in price, but it does seem much more nutritious. Here's the link:

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Treats/Original-ForageCake-Supplement-Chickens-only-p840.aspx

 

[duckinnut]

Fred's Hens :

Who was it that said that a squirrel is merely a rat with a better press agent?

Call them around here bushy tailed rats.​

 

[kuntrychick]

Quote:
That is an AWESOME idea for putting it away! I wasn't even going to buy another one & if so I was trying to figure out how I was gonna remove it when they were hanging around it too long. That would also work to cover it from rain I suppose?

I may just buy another one (or make one) & use the bucket to cover it. Thanks!