Is it true scratch grain during the summer can kill your flock?

[ChuckenGirl]

I read somewhere a year or so back that if you feed scratch grain can over heat your chickens and kill them because they get so hot?
Is this true or just a myth?

 

[CHIC]

I've read that too. It does raise their temp. It probably matters where you live though. If you live in a mild climate, your probably fine giving them, as recommended, scratch grain on occasion, a couple handfuls a week maybe. However, if you live somewhere like Florida, I wouldn't take the chance. Oh, and obviously, make sure they have ample water supply that doesn't get too hot.

 

[WriterofWords]

Don't tell my chickens and ducks then because that is what they've been eating their entire lives in the NM 100 - 110 degree summers and freezing winters.

 

[Dar]

I have had no problems with it but we have had a damp and cooler then normal summer too

 

[gumpsgirl]

The problem with feeding scratch in warm / hot temps. is that the corn is full of calories which will turn to fat if they are not used. Chickens don't need nearly as many calories in the summer as they do in the winter. In the winter months, they burn a lot of calories trying to keep warm and during the summer they definitely don't need any help in that area.

So the bottom line of not feeding your chickens scratch in the summer is that you don't really want to create fat chickens as it could potentially cause laying issues for the hens.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I had a flock of chickens years ago, before internet and before I ever heard about not feeding scratch during hot weather. My birds got scratch every day, year around, never a problem and we have hot summers here in CA. So, I'm sure it may have some effect, whether it raises their body temp. THAT much, I don't know but it sure didn't seem to affect my chickens.

 

[fowltemptress]

It's a myth, but one of the most beloved and pervasive myths on these forums. I've often thought there should be a sticky to nip it in the bud, but since scratch is basically empty calories, I suppose there's not much harm in the myth running rampant. Truthfully, though, it's less likely to raise their body temps as much as regular feed.

 

[chickenbottom]

im the florida person and i gave some to them in the beginning of the summer but i stopped and i just give them layer pellets i dont really think its bad for them but i just didnt want to take that risk so they will get it about 2 weeks into september

 

[Big C]

We feed scratch after 5 pm. When I got home today it was 113 degrees out side and in the coops.
Never had a problem with any scratch product in any temp. If anything the flocks seem to want this.
IMO, this is a total myth. Your flock(s) are in tune with your natural environment so adapt to the feed intake you give them.
The more you regulate them from their natural environment the more they cost you, develop disease, etc...
Even in the current heat wave we are having our egg production is at 78%.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Quote:
Right -

I give mine scratch every single day and a bunch of it. We have triple digit temps just about all throughout the summers here in the southeast and never once have I had a chicken suffer any ill affects from scratch....SUCH a myth