Heating Effects of Corn on Poultry

[Mac in Wisco]

Here are a reader's comments to an otherwise generic article on reducing heat stress at worldpoultry.net, a site geared toward commercial production. He mentions putting these methods into use in his operation; increasing energy and decreasing protein. The amino acid supplements aren't required for backyard chickens that have access to greens and bugs. Eletrolytes are always a good idea in hot weather...

very good article.. I am owning a 50000 bird layer farm with babcock chicks... I think heat stress can be managed by 2 ways... external (close the curtains, stop the outside air and use foggers to decrease temp at constant level... i try to maintain it around 35 degree). internal (feed: increase energy to 2475, decrease protein, increase amino acids ie lycine, methonine... and topdressing of electrolyte and .5 times ab2d3k and B complex...!!!!!!

sourabh // Monday 16 June 2008

 

[vickiemontana]

Good heavens. I have 16 hens. They eat grasshoppers, other bugs, weeds, yogurt, melons, apples, scrambles eggs and chicken grain. I hope it doesn't get more difficult than this cos I will go nuts.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
No, it needn't be. Chickens, for the most part, are capable of self choice to provide for their dietary needs as long as the proper nutrients are available to them. You didn't mention a layer ration, but perhaps your birds are getting what they need from the variety provided. Out of curiosity how large are the eggs you are getting?

You do need to watch the heat though. I didn't note where you are from, but other than predators I think the biggest killer of birds is the heat. If it's much over a 100 you need to keep an on eye them.

I was just trying to debunk the persistent belief here that corn is bad for birds in hot weather, hopefully I've done that. It's been HOT here and my birds are no worse for it. They are at the back door begging for scratch everyday I get home from work.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Hah, guess I should have looked at who I was writing to. Montana....

 

[Eggseronious]

Good post and I too agree

but looks like the ones that disagree are on the sidelines.

Maby they will come to the trough!

 

[vickiemontana]

No prob Mac. I was just making sure I didn't need to make it rocket science. One of our 4 4mo old has just started laying. I have six eggs. The other 11 are only two months. They are huge tho. Black and white speckled. And I have two RIR's. The RIR is the one laying. One of them has a bad leg which is probably my fault. She/it got caught between some wood planks and I tried to get her out. She would have been better off without me. Been in the 80's here. Downright cool at night.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
No, it needn't be. Chickens, for the most part, are capable of self choice to provide for their dietary needs as long as the proper nutrients are available to them. You didn't mention a layer ration, but perhaps your birds are getting what they need from the variety provided. Out of curiosity how large are the eggs you are getting?

You do need to watch the heat though. I didn't note where you are from, but other than predators I think the biggest killer of birds is the heat. If it's much over a 100 you need to keep an on eye them.

I was just trying to debunk the persistent belief here that corn is bad for birds in hot weather, hopefully I've done that. It's been HOT here and my birds are no worse for it. They are at the back door begging for scratch everyday I get home from work.

Ya convinced me. I'm going out today and buying some cracked corn to further spoil my brats, especially the big boss, Lady Penelope, the silkie that rules over the blue Orpingtons.
Thanks for the convincing information.

 

[playingchicken]

Thanks for posting this. I am fairly new to chickens and every time I would come across that old wives' tale presented as fact it would make me scratch my head and wonder why.

I appreciate the more logical information you have presented.

 

[speckledhen]

Actually, I like this. Means I can buy the cheaper scratch with much more corn in it, LOL. I had read the same thing recently.

 

[sunshinegirl]

vickiemontana wrote:
Good heavens. I have 16 hens. They eat grasshoppers, other bugs, weeds, yogurt, melons, apples, scrambles eggs and chicken grain. I hope it doesn't get more difficult than this cos I will go nuts.

No, it needn't be. Chickens, for the most part, are capable of self choice to provide for their dietary needs as long as the proper nutrients are available to them. You didn't mention a layer ration, but perhaps your birds are getting what they need from the variety provided.

Excellent point - I agree wholeheartedly!

You do need to watch the heat though. I didn't note where you are from, but other than predators I think the biggest killer of birds is the heat. If it's much over a 100 you need to keep an on eye them.

I certainly agree here too. Providing good ventilation, shade, plenty of fresh water, electrolytes, and even a fan if possible are all good things to do in the heat - regardless of what they eat.

I was just trying to debunk the persistent belief here that corn is bad for birds in hot weather, hopefully I've done that.

Again, I agee. You've done a wonderful job of presenting a logical, well-researched and well-thought-out argument. Infromation is always a good thing.​