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layer feed in the winter?

Discussion in 'Feeding & Watering Your Flock' started by ScoobyRoo, Oct 27, 2008.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Oct 27, 2008 #1
    ScoobyRoo

    ScoobyRoo Songster

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    Land of OZ
    When it starts getting real cold and my hens laying decreases do you still feed layers through out the winter? Do you keep them on layers for their entire adult life? Or....... do you switch to scratch etc. for the winter months? This is my first winter with the chickens and I'm a little nervous about their well being here in KS. Spoiled chickens![​IMG]
     
  2. Oct 27, 2008 #2
    MissPrissy

    MissPrissy Crowing Premium Member

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    My chickens have gamebird feed and a mix of other things so they don't depend on layer feed for their nutrition.

    Mix it up, give them some fresh veggie scraps from your kitchen, feed, bugs, meat scraps etc and they will be fine.
     
  3. Oct 27, 2008 #3
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

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    Yes keep them on layer feed all thru the winter. There's really no need to be switching feeds back and forth.
    You can offer some scratch as a treat, but that's all it should be is a treat. It's not a complete feed.
     
  4. Oct 27, 2008 #4
    SundownWaterfowl

    SundownWaterfowl Crowing

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    During the winter my chickens get layer mash. It keeps them busy. It takes a hen 30 min. to eat her daily ration of pellets, while it takes her 3 hours to eat her daily ration of mash. I also give them some wheat, and whole corn to eat, plus some kitchen scraps like lettuce, etc.
     
  5. Oct 27, 2008 #5
    ScoobyRoo

    ScoobyRoo Songster

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    Thanks everyone for your feedback. They do get a lot of kitchen scraps and what ever the grocery store has in the 'price reduced' cart that looks good. I've never bought scratch before but they do get cracked corn now along with the layer feed. I'm going to call the store and see about the left over produce. Thanks again!
    K
     
  6. Jul 20, 2015 #6
    royalpalm

    royalpalm In the Brooder

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    I need help with my royal Palm hen who appears to have a impacted crop she is lethargic hardly eating or drinking I have been emptying her out and started them all on parasitic medicine help I don't want her to die
     
  7. Jul 20, 2015 #7
    HeritageGoose13

    HeritageGoose13 Songster

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    Try the Emergencies section instead. People will see it there.
     

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