Purina Flock Block?

[StarLover21]

We just got one of these for our chickens today. They seem to like it, but I was just wondering if these are good, and are they healthy for chickens? Anybody else have one? What do you think of it?

E.T.A does it reallys reduce pecking? We have a problem with that in our flock.

 

[yomama]

I got one a while back. First of all, they STINK!, lol! Omg, I couldn't believe how funky it smelled. Other than that, my only concern would be they would fill up on that, as opposed to their regular balanced feed. I think what makes up the flock block is comparative to a bunch of treats, but I can't remember. I'll have to look it up and read the label. Anyway, why are your chickens pecking each other in the first place? Is it space or injury related?

 

[fried green eggs]

Hi, I'm on our 3rd Flock Block and my chickens love it ! I haven't noticed any odor and it looks pretty much like a really big suit cake with cracked corn, sun flower & other bird seed. Unfortunately my chickens haven't cut down at all on their regular comsumption of normal chicken feed since, I added the flock block to their diet. One large flock block last my 15 birds about a month and they still go through 3 - 50# bags of chicken feed each month. I put the block in a plastic tub (which is made to hold a large horse salt block) and put it under their raised coop so it's protected from snow and rain and it's off the ground. I think It just gives them something to do and a reason to go outside the coop so, they don't start picking on each other out of bordom.
I have added lights on timers but they need to lay more eggs - just to cover feed this winter

 

[jspitzer221]

I've often wondered if those were any good and if they truly reduced pecking

 

[kareninthesun]

I like them. If mine didn't free range, I think it would occupy their time from picking on each other. Also, when the weather is colder, it adds a little bit of fat to their diet. One block lasts over a month, doesn't seem to interfere with their normal diet of consuming all things unable to run faster than them.

 

[JoieD]

I bought one for my girls a while back and they do have an odor. And they "melt" and crumble in the rain and then they really stink! The chickens loved it but before I get another one I need to figure out a system to remove it from the run at night. I'm sure they attract rodents. I think maybe a plastic tub or something like that. Any ideas?

 

[TEXASSCENT]

THEY DO SMELL FUNKY...KINDA LIKE CHICKEN FRIED IN OLD RESTURANT GREASE...LOL MINE SEEMED TO LIKE IT THOUGH.

 

[NYRIR]

I like using them in winter. I have about 95 chickens and they all love the seed block. My geese nibble on it as well.The turkeys peck at it too. I just keep it under cover so it doesn't get wet. I WISH it made them eat less feed! Right now we still go through between 4-5 bags of feed a week for everyone during the winter...but that includes a lot of ducks and some turkeys and geese too.
I give the flock block a thumbs up

 

[CSWolffe]

I only recently stumbled across a similar product, ForageCakes. As I have a small flock confined in a relatively small area, I am now seriously considering one of these. I am also expanding my run to 5x its previous size and allowing my girls out into the yard to forage for a few hours each day, but this will be nice during the winter when they are snowed in. And they carry them at my local feed store!

 

[fried green eggs]

What bout putting it in a milk crate on its side and elevated with a block, ziptie a plastic feed bag to cover top of crate to protect it from rain/ snow? Could just put a upside down tub/trash can over it all at night to keep mice from it - just think if any do get under to it - when you uncover it, any mice still there are a quick snack for your hens