Storey's recommendation to add Oats, 50/50 with Pullet Grower

[chickenbike]

I was reading Storey's guide and on page 115 they talk about adding oats to pullet grower to ensure layer pullets grow slowly.

My girls are 7.5 weeks old now and I am just transitioning from chick starter to pullet grower this week. Has anybody followed this recommendation and then added oats? What type of oats are added? Is it regular, old-fashioned oatmeal? Is it special oats purchased at the feed store?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I buy crimped oats at the feed store for my horse in the summer as a treat and I have given it to the chicks as a treat also.
The ones that free range all day don't eat it but the chicks in the coop think it is a nice treat. I don't feed it every day and my chicks are 8 weeks old. I also still have mine on starter though and may not switch to grower since I am starting to free range them a bit every day.

 

[Lea71]

What a coincidence! I was reading through Storey's two nights ago and read this also. I was wondering the same thing. If anyone here has tried it? I was thinking about doing it also to slow their rate of growth down. Storey's stated that they will lay longer if you slow down their maturity and delay the laying. Also making sure they are big enough to pass eggs, preventing egg-laying problems.
The mill I get feed from sells 50 lb. bags of organic oats....anyone here ever try it?

 

[BearSwampChick]

I think if you're free-ranging and/or feeding them other treats, it probably accomplishes the same thing. I believe Storey's recommends whole oats.

 

[chickenbike]

Are whole oats.....simply old-fashioned Quaker Oats? I hate to ask again, but I don't wish to feed anything that will cause problems for my girls.

I would really like to try this as the benefits regarding long-term egg laying would be worthwhile (as would the benefits of preventing prolapse etc).

 

[Oblio13]

Quote:
No, whole oats haven't been rolled (squished flat) like oatmeal. They may or may not have hulls. A 50# sack costs about $15 here.

 

[chickenbike]

Thanks...I'll just ask for "whole oats" at the feed store then.

 

[AnthonyT]

If you have a feed mill near you they should have whole oats. Many feed stores (that don't have their own mill) will only have rolled or crimped oats. These will work but will be more $$$ then the whole oats. I get whole oats for $21 per 100# from the feed mill.

 

[chickenbike]

Thanks Anthony for the tip. I'll pay close attention when I get some to be sure it is whole oats and not rolled or crimped. It is a feed store and not a mill.