Flock block... Waste of money

[higgy62]

Purina makes a 20-25 pounder that is a mix of all kinds of good stuff. I know it has molasses in it by the smell but also boss, corn, grit, oyster shell, and lots of little seeds. My crew stands on it a lot, but they have polished off a good 3/4 of it. I think the $12 or $14 I spent on it a while ago was worth it.

Is it ok to feed this kind of treat to young chicks (pre egg-laying age)? I was given a 25 pound block as a gift (From TSC). I would think this is too big just to put in the run? Can I just chip off a piece and hang it on a rope as a treat?

Ok, so I just found my answer from Purina:
Purina® Flock Block® is designed to supplement the diet of poultry 18 weeks and older. This is not intended to be the sole ration. Place blocks in a plastic container and place on the ground; free-ranging poultry and game birds will regulate their consumption according to the availability of natural diet. A feeding program is only as effective as the management practices followed and should only be used in combination with good conservation practices. It depends on what you are also feeding as to how long the block will last. This is meant to be used as enrichment product and to be fed along with a layer product. We do not suggest to offer to birds younger than 18 weeks.

 

[Ladies-Eight]

I bought one of the smaller blocks. I wasn't sure how I wanted to give it to the chickens. I have a serrated knife that will cut frozen items. So I cut it in quarters and used a metal skewer to stake them for my chickens. They ate the blocks and pulled up the skewers.