Just some feeding questions from a newbie

[Brandyberry_Chick]

ooooooooook...My hens are currently on a layer pellet feed. It has special calcium and a higher protein. They get to go outside (not freerange yet only got them yesterday but will be here in a few weeks) so they get bugs and whatever they pick out of the dirt. They get fresh water day and night. So here are my questions:

Instead of oyster shells can I crumble up egg shells really fine? Money is tight currently

I do have one chicken that is a bit on the small side, what could I give her or anyother chicken I may get in the future to put some weight on?

What are some of your chickens favorite snacks that people can eat too?

Thank-you to all who answer!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Crushed eggshells are fine, just mix them into their layer ration, but not more than a few percent of the feed.

Unless your layer ration is over 16% protein I wouldn't feed a lot of treats. A little is OK, but not a lot. If it's over that you can give them more liberally. The birds will do a good job of balancing their own diet.

As for what you can give them I prefer whole grains such as oats, wheat, milo or corn, but if you want to give them something you can eat then I suggest green feed - cabbage, lettuce, kale, collards, mustards, turnips, spinach, chard and so on. Bread is good as well just don't give them a lot, especially if it's white bread.

.....Alan.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

most "layers" tend to feel a bit on the small or thin side as compared to big fat meat or dual purpose birds. If you still think she looks to small you might try worming her.
there are all kinds of thread on here for "snacks" or "treats" just type it in the search bar up in the right corner you will get lonnnng lists

right now mine are enjoying all of the super huge over grown zucchinis that people love to give you (free treats are best!)

 

[cnj-tx50]

If you are going to feed back the egg shells you need to make sure that they are boiled or baked off first.

Mine love anything that is left over from supper including meat. We also have a garden year round and I always grow an extra row for the girls. Mine don't free range as such but they do have a 50x50 yard with grass so they are always eating greens.

My girls favorite treat is my husbands homemade meatballs and of course the noodles are about the funniest thing to watch them eat!!

Good luck and have lots of fun finding out what they love!!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

and gather up the free pumpkins after halloween! save them in the garage and give them one a week . . .

 

[missrose]

I also heard that chickens love yogurt. Its a little wierd but......? if they dont free range as much I would reccomend mealworms.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

Mine love cheese, hard cheese and cottage cheese, and meat. During the summer they had watermelon and grapes...now that it's colder I give them scratch and black oil sunflower seeds. They like oatmeal and yogurt which I give them 2-3x weekly. They like spaghetti noodles, mac and cheese too but don't get that very often. Everything in moderation. There's a treat chart somewhere on here...maybe someone can tell you where because I'm not sure...

 

[spartacus_63]

Quote:
Why?

 

[cnj-tx50]

The "raw" shells may give them the idea that they can eat their own eggs.

 

[spartacus_63]

I don't think chickens have that much reasoning ability...but if ya want to boil the shells, it won't hurt anything.