Total newbie needs feeding advice.

[Grandma 333]

Hi there!
I'm expecting 3 rescued chickens next week. I've been told to give them 'layers mash' at first as this is what they've been used to. How long would you recommend that I feed them this before moving them on to pellets? Also, can you give me an idea as to what a basic daily diet plan would be?

I am in Scotland so may not have access to the same brands of food as you. I see corn recommended and kitchen scraps of veg. Also treats of mealworms? How would this work out on a daily diet sheet that is healthy and hopefully not too costly?

Should I be looking for vitamin drops or something?...Thanks, in anticipation.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

You can keep them on mash forever, but a pellet would be easier to feed, and as for daily food schedule either feed them 1/3 pound of food once a day each or leave feed 24/7

 

[featheredplanets]

I would be feeding rescues a non medicated chick crumb. It has higher protein than layer feed so will help with feather growth. It’s about £15 for a 20kg bag. I would feed this until they’re fully feathered and looking much healthier overall. In this time you will want to provide oyster shell ((£5-7 for 20kg) calcium supplement), though I’d continue offering this even after switching to layers pellets.

Corn, whole or cracked is pointless. It’s the same as eating crisps.

Kitchen scraps are a bit hard in the UK. It is actually illegal to feed livestock kitchen waste and you can face up to two years if caught doing so. I do give my chickens scraps of meat and veg occasionally but the rest goes in the compost.

Mealworms are a good treat but they only need a couple each a week.

Your chickens should really just be eating a high protein feed and calcium supplement until back to full health. Then you can offer treats but treats still shouldn’t be given every day and should be given moderately.

Are you rescuing battery hens? They’re usually in poor state so vitamins would be good to give them. You can get poultry vitamin drops for £10-£15. *If you’re not getting ex bats I’d put them over to layers pellets straight away.

My chickens have access to feed from dawn to dusk. You can feed them at one or two certain times a day or allow them to access the feeder all day.

 

[Sequel]

Hi there!
I'm expecting 3 rescued chickens next week. I've been told to give them 'layers mash' at first as this is what they've been used to. How long would you recommend that I feed them this before moving them on to pellets? Also, can you give me an idea as to what a basic daily diet plan would be?

I am in Scotland so may not have access to the same brands of food as you. I see corn recommended and kitchen scraps of veg. Also treats of mealworms? How would this work out on a daily diet sheet that is healthy and hopefully not too costly?

Should I be looking for vitamin drops or something?...Thanks, in anticipation.

Hi there! Welcome to BYC! I hope you get your questions answered! There is so much to learn here and I wish you all the best with your new chickens!

 

[Grandma 333]

You can keep them on mash forever, but a pellet would be easier to feed, and as for daily food schedule either feed them 1/3 pound of food once a day each or leave feed 24/7

Wow thanks..that's really useful info. Do I go to a farm shop? On-line pet store?....is there a way to ensure each girl gets her fair share?....grateful.

 

[Grandma 333]

Hi there! Welcome to BYC! I hope you get your questions answered! There is so much to learn here and I wish you all the best with your new chickens!

What a bonnie wee soul!

 

[Grandma 333]

I would be feeding rescues a non medicated chick crumb. It has higher protein than layer feed so will help with feather growth. It’s about £15 for a 20kg bag. I would feed this until they’re fully feathered and looking much healthier overall. In this time you will want to provide oyster shell ((£5-7 for 20kg) calcium supplement), though I’d continue offering this even after switching to layers pellets.

Corn, whole or cracked is pointless. It’s the same as eating crisps.

Kitchen scraps are a bit hard in the UK. It is actually illegal to feed livestock kitchen waste and you can face up to two years if caught doing so. I do give my chickens scraps of meat and veg occasionally but the rest goes in the compost.

Mealworms are a good treat but they only need a couple each a week.

Your chickens should really just be eating a high protein feed and calcium supplement until back to full health. Then you can offer treats but treats still shouldn’t be given every day and should be given moderately.

Are you rescuing battery hens? They’re usually in poor state so vitamins would be good to give them. You can get poultry vitamin drops for £10-£15. *If you’re not getting ex bats I’d put them over to layers pellets straight away.

My chickens have access to feed from dawn to dusk. You can feed them at one or two certain times a day or allow them to access the feeder all day.

 

[Grandma 333]

Thankyou for this info. I didn't know they couldn't have wee scraps of veg so really appreciate this point. Your post is very informative and I shall go out searching for your suggested items. I think they will be battery hens. There has been a mass rescue and I know they have never been outside before. It all seems so overwhelming right now, starting from scratch....I'm so glad to have found people to ask questions of. I'm very grateful for your advice.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Chickens love grasshoppers, figs, and watermelons. You can give ripe tomatoes, and be on the lookout for herbs. Many herbs are good for chickens such as oregano and rosemary.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Things you need to make sure your chickens DON'T get: roaches, unripe tomatoes and potatoes. Always be advised: chickens will eat ANYTHING they find interesting. Be sure never to wear jewelry around your chickens especially earrings; it's been known for chickens to peck off and swallow stuff. Keep your chicken area free of pieces of plastic, metal and cedar wood.