Pellets/Grapefruit/Apples?

[australorp_breeder]

When I was at a poultry show this past weekend I saw some people giving their chickens apple and grapefruit halves before they got judged. That's all they fed them during the morning. Why? And I also saw a lot of people feeding their chickens pellets instead of chicken scratch/seed. What are the pellets for? They looked almost like rabbit food, or something.

 

[Bantimna]

I'm not sure. It may be so that when the judge comes past the chickens come right to the front of the cage to look for treats

 

[Chris09]

What are the pellets for? They looked almost like rabbit food

What color was the pellet? If it was green it could have been alfalfa pellets. If it was a off white or light brown color it may have been the regular feed.

apple and grapefruit halves before they got judged

There could be a number of reasons for using fruit in the feed on show day.
The one thing I was told when I first got in to showing chickens is that you never "feed" the chickens the morning of the show, instead you "treat" them with a light feeding of a higher sugar treats. I used pineapple, apple and grapes.
(I has been said that chickens tend not to show well or at there best when there crop is full. They get lazy)


Chris​

 

[redhen]

I didnt think that chickens could have citrus fruits?? Maybe i'm wrong though...

 

[Kim_NC]

Mine never ate citrus, didn't want it. Maybe I should try again.

 

[Splash Giants]

I feed my chickens the Ole Roy Moist dog food treats during the show. Most people feed there chickens whatever treat that they used to help train the bird with.

 

[Chris09]

I didnt think that chickens could have citrus fruits?? Maybe i'm wrong though...

I have herd that once/ twice before. I never had a problem with it, I know others that feed citrus fruits they never had a problem either.
I think it is all on who you talk to, Most "Old Timers" say its good for them and no different than giving ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar).

Chris​

 

[Splash Giants]

My chickens like citrus especially grapefruit and I also give them ACV

 

[saddina]

Mine are fed pelleted feed, they spill less of that than they did the grains.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

There is no problem other than stickiness of feed citrus to chickens--mine love oranges and grapefruit from the trees that provide their shade. They also love pears. Mine do not care for bananas or pineapple, but adore any sort of melon or squash.

The food available at most shows is scratch, which, while inexpensive, is not very nutritious. Some exhibitors would prefer their birds to continue eating whatever their usual feed is. One thing that scratch will do that pellets do not is firm up poops.