frozen corn and carbohydrates in summer

[lorirpt]

I've been giving my chickens frozen corn as a treat in this hot weather, but my husband says they shouldn't have carbohydrates or corn in hot weather as it makes them hotter......is this true? I'd love to hear some educated opinions?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Scratch grains are considered hot feed, and corn is usually in scratch

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

NO NO NO!

Corn does not magically increase body temperature.

 

[Folly's place]

Corn is fine as a treat!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Treats in small quantities are fine!
Mary

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Treats in small quantities are fine!
Mary

Yes, small quantities are the key. High protein treats you can feed more of, but high fat treats you should avoid.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Corn can slightly increase body temperature, but not very significantly. It’s an okay treat to feed during summer, but realistically, treats are a bad thing to feed during summer. Treats in general raise the core body temperature as it is harder for the chicken to digest.

It depends upon the treat, corn and wheat are easily digested.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I've been giving my chickens frozen corn as a treat in this hot weather, but my husband says they shouldn't have carbohydrates or corn in hot weather as it makes them hotter......is this true? I'd love to hear some educated opinions?

People don't get it.. a calorie is a calorie is a calorie equals energy... and MOST chicken feed IS corn based.

Folks who feed corn to keep their chickens warm in winter are sadly misinformed. Corn has the same amount of energy as say protein but is lower in amino acids and essential vitamins and minerals. For folks who live in extremely cold locations with limited daylight they *may* need to add things to increase calorie load.. our chicken feed are formulated to account for their energy and volume of intake.

Consider using other more nutritious things like peas, blueberries, meal worms, etc.. whatever in moderation (under 10% total intake).. frozen into ice cubes or a bowl even so they have to work at it for the goodies and get enrichment in addition to the cooling effect!

Please note.. I'm minimally educated (US public school system, some college).. just an avid poultry enthusiast who overthinks all these interesting questions.

Corn can slightly increase body temperature, but not very significantly. It’s an okay treat to feed during summer, but realistically, treats are a bad thing to feed during summer. Treats in general raise the core body temperature as it is harder for the chicken to digest.

Please provide links?? No rudeness intended.. I want to learn the whole truth!

 

[Folly's place]

Yup!
Fantasy abounds...
Mary

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Here is a link I found. I studied basic biology through highschool and college, so I have some knowledge that I can’t find links for. It’s also that time of the month for me, so I really don’t want to dig through google right now for other sources.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/beat-heat-helping-chickens-survive-high/

Nothing there of substance other than the discussion of reduced feed intake during heat stress and the suggestion to increase Amino Acid concentration.

Basic biology tells us that high starch grains like corn and wheat are easily digested which doe not lead to high Heat Increment.