Is there such a thing as too much cracked corn???

[johny]

I topped up my birds food with about 25% cracked corn all winter.
I thought they would stay warmer with the high calorie food.
The hens kept laying well all winter.

But 2 weeks ago I killed four of them to reduce crowding in the coop.
Those were the fattest birds I have ever seen. Clearly they ate way more than necessary and got really fat.
They were tender and tasty but clearly ate excessive amounts to get so fat.

 

[toyzbox]

I have had parrots for years before I got the chickens. And I know how true it is that corn has no real nutritional value. Perhaps I should cut it down some. I do give them a variety of treats but never so much that they don’t eat their main diet.
Although sometime I think they can eat anything at any time and never fill up. All your inputs are true and very important to remember. I want my girls to be healthy and happy so thanks for all the input.

 

[Arielle]

Corn is a grain that has much value as a feed source. It is high energy, low protein, and some calcium and vit A. THere is no one food that is perfect, unless its an egg:

, but even that lacks fiber. Usually corn combined with soybean provides a complete protein--all the essential amino acids at levels that are high enough to meet nutritional needs.

Diet should be a wide variety of foodstuffs that together supplies the nutrients required. Many different grains, greens, meats, bugs, worms,etc are natural foodstuffs for a chicken. Formulated feeds makes feeding easier. It's not perfect either, but it's a safe bet.

You may want to consider other treats as well when you sit and visit. My boys play "restaurant" and hand out lettuce, fruit, peas, etc. I'm going to buy a bag of horse oats to add to the treats.

I add more corn in the winter months to give my horses more energy as they are out in the fresh air exercising for many hours a day. THey need the energy, but not more protein.

That's my 2 cents.