Too hot for scratch?

[Timmy Tangles]

I heard from someone yesterday that I shouldn't feed scratch(corn) to our hens in the summer. Is this in fact true?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What is the temperature? Your location?

'Summer' isn't very definitive regarding temperature.
Scratch is energy intensive but it depends on ambient temperature.

 

[3KillerBs]

In appropriate, limited amounts -- when I had a flock of 5 I gave them a literal handful about twice a week -- scratch is fine regardless of the weather.

 

[Timmy Tangles]

What is the temperature? Your location?

'Summer' isn't very definitive regarding temperature.
Scratch is energy intensive but it depends on ambient temperature.

80-93 highs and we are in Sunny San Diego California.

 

[Brooks_]

80-93 highs and we are in Sunny San Diego California.

In treat size portions, it will be fine. Should temps get higher, I'd look more at melon and such with high water content. Still in treat size portions.

 

[GC-Raptor]

During the summer heat above 80 F/27 C. I cut the daily Scratch Grains treats in half to 1 Tbsp per chicken.
I give them a wet mash made with cold water and chicken feed, Crumbles/Pellets early afternoon.

I give 2 Tbsp of dry feed per chicken, a half cup for 4 chickens and add about a half cup of cold water and serve immediately when made with crumbles.
A couple of minutes when made with pellets.
Serve in a shady spot.
When my flock had 7 I used a larger metal pan or 2 of the smaller rubber bowls.

A benefit of decreasing Scratch and getting more feed into them gets egg laying back up to spring time numbers. GC

 

[Timmy Tangles]

In treat size portions, it will be fine. Should temps get higher, I'd look more at melon and such with high water content. Still in treat size portions.

Thank you for the advice. We have only been feeding them small snack size amounts.

 

[Timmy Tangles]

During the summer heat above 80 F/27 C. I cut the daily Scratch Grains treats in half to 1 Tbsp per chicken.
I give them a wet mash made with cold water and chicken feed, Crumbles/Pellets early afternoon.View attachment 2757806
I give 2 Tbsp of dry feed per chicken, a half cup for 4 chickens and add about a half cup of cold water and serve immediately when made with crumbles.
A couple of minutes when made with pellets.
Serve in a shady spot.
When my flock had 7 I used a larger metal pan or 2 of the smaller rubber bowls.View attachment 2757807
A benefit of decreasing Scratch and getting more feed into them gets egg laying back up to spring time numbers. GC

Thank you for that advice. Your hens look great. Barred Rocks?

 

[Brooks_]

Thank you for that advice. Your hens look great. Barred Rocks?

I really like GC-Raptor's way. I haven't done it myself, but the thought process is solid. Proper food and water. Win-win.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Thank you for that advice. Your hens look great. Barred Rocks?

Yes. I have 3 breeds/types currently.
Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds and ISA Browns. GC