Is feeding fodder or sprouts considered snacks?

[Wil781]

My girls can't free range because of neighborhood dogs so I grow fodder and sprouts for my hens, I want them to have the greens that they miss out on. Occassionally I will give scratch, cabbage on a string or frozen ears of corn on a string, but only occassionally. I also feed fermented crumbles (with dry crumbles available all day) with blueberries or raisins. I do try to give them sprouts or fodder daily. I want them healthy so any input would be great!

 

[DobieLover]

In my opinion, fodder is absolutely NOT a treat. It is offers many of the nutritional benefits that free ranging on grass does. I think you are doing a great service to your birds by offering fodder.

 

[PirateGirl]

It depends what you are sprouting as to how complete the nutrition they are receiving is. There are some whole grain feeds that can be considered a complete ration that can be sprouted/grown into fodder that would be sufficient, but if you are only sprouting one or two kinds of grains it is probably lacking somewhere and would be more of a supplement/treat.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I basically agree with both poster!

In a field there are MANY plants to choose from and they KEEP moving. Using short grass clippings from the mower in your run can go a LONG way towards achieving your desired goal as well.

I use it as a treat... I see them pick the seed off and leave behind the green.

For me to not consider it a treat... would have to be ALWAYS available... like in a fodder frame... they don't SEE me bring it out so it is just part of their forage and NOT seen as something I hand deliver which is ALWAYS consumed in a treat manner.

And as stated not all products are equal... big difference between sprouting corn verses peas verses oats/wheat.

I would like to note... that while we LIKE our birds to have "green" in their diets and they do enjoy it.... their NUTRITIONAL needs ARE fully met by our formulated rations. For this reason, I do it when I desire, when it's convenient for me and I feel like it. It's kind of fun! But in NO way do I guilt myself when I don't feel like it.

A share on nutrient value of barley (my choice for ease according to my research) fodder/sprouts at different days..
http://www.idosi.org/wasj/wasj16(4)12/9.pdf

Don't forget... growing your own live meal worms can be a lot of fun as well!

Happy to see you wanting to do good for your birds, but trying to make sure it isn't actually going to create a nutritional deficit.

 

[Mosey2003]

In my world, anything under 16% protein is considered a treat. Considering the amount of things you've listed you feed, if you feed more than 10% of their daily diet as those extras, I would have a problem, personally. I don't like my ration to dip under 18% protein. If they're doing well, it's up to you.

 

[Wil781]

Thank you for responding. I sprout and fodder alfalfa, lentils, mung bean, white clover, barley and wheat. Occasionally wild bird seed , which they love. All greens and sprouts are fed about 2 pm so that all fermented feed has been eaten.

I feel badly that I can’t let them out to forage but I have to keep them safe and this I thought was the next best thing.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you for responding. I sprout and fodder alfalfa, lentils, mung bean, white clover, barley and wheat. Occasionally wild bird seed , which they love. All greens and sprouts are fed about 2 pm so that all fermented feed has been eaten.

I feel badly that I can’t let them out to forage but I have to keep them safe and this I thought was the next best thing.

I won't do mine until about an hour before dark... as I still have layers at 2 pm. And I don't want them rushing out of the box when they here the hoopla or missing out.

18% protein is personal choice and according to experts like Merk and others NOT the actual requirement... though I agree it's a good goal, I think protein quality matters not just quantity.. Anyways a couple links, though you will never here me suggest less than 18%... PERSONALLY...
http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1317/ANR-1317.pdf

http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/186894.pdf

Notice according to Merk it even goes as low as 15% at times... the reason I never use their information (this link) to support my point of view... but I DO still consider it accurate and valid...
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...t-poultry/nutritional-requirements-of-poultry

My birds do free range and the majority of my plants probably aren't above 18%. There are ways to find out... But they also find worms, crickets, grubs and other bugs which are higher in protein... but also fat and amino acids and so on.

You shouldn't feel badly about keeping them safe! They aren't being treated like battery birds which is where you would be getting your eggs otherwise. People who can free range are fortunate to be able to. But that isn't reality for many people. Sounds like you are good to your birds! If they are in good condition, SAFE and content, not psychos beating each other up... they aren't sending subliminal guilt messages. Some breeds will have a harder time in confinement than others. You can work to not keep those ones so you will both be happy. You do provide enrichment as well... that goes a long way! Give yourself a break and some credit... it okay to feel good about keeping chickens EVEN if they can't "free range".