Sure blocks for extra winter energy?

[MIChickandGuinea]

We are having an extreme cold snap and I believe the chickens are supposed to get extra high-energy food to help them through the extreme weather. I have been doing things like spreading stale bread thickly with lard or peanut butter, then pressing that into mixed bird seed. This is in addition to unlimited access to fresh water (that is in a freeze-free heated waterer in a covered pen) and layer feed, plus mealworm treats.

But I was just refilling my wild bird feeders, and wondered if the ready-made suet blocks with seeds and fruit mixed in would be suitable for the chickens??? That would be a lot easier

Whaddya think?

 

[LulaBell]

I'm curious about this too.

 

[Alaskan]

I don't buy the premade stuff... but it us probably fine.

I just pour bacon grease or olive oil over a pan of their feed and set that out for them.

 

[Folly's place]

Unlimited quality feed, unfrozen water, shelter from wind and weather, and some treats, should be fine, if you have breeds that can handle cold.
Silkies, Seramas, birds with big single combs and wattles, frizzles, all have special needs and likely heat.
Alaskan and the folks in Montana and the Dakotas will have good ideas!
Mary

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I tried suet once, my birds wouldn't touch it. Maybe you will have better luck. Mine prefer extra scratch.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Mine prefer extra scratch.

Yeah, I give my girls a second serving of Scratch Grains mixed with Cardinal seeds (Sunflower, Safflower seeds). 7# to 25# of Scratch. .
I usually give Scratch around 9am, but when temps stay below freezing l check for eggs around 1pm too, and give them a second serving of Scratch.
I've had some frozen eggs this winter. . GC

 

[MIChickandGuinea]

Yeah, I give my girls a second serving of Scratch Grains mixed with Cardinal seeds (Sunflower, Safflower seeds). 7# to 25# of Scratch. View attachment 1658939.
I usually give Scratch around 9am, but when temps stay below freezing l check for eggs around 1pm too, and give them a second serving of Scratch.
I've had some frozen eggs this winter.View attachment 1658944. GC

We have had frozen eggs too, mostly bantam eggs that are so small and freeze quickly once the little lady steps away from the nesting box. We only have one bantam still laying at this dark and cold part of the year - a silkie. She's laying 2-3 eggs a week right now.