Treats

[redcluck]

It’s been getting colder and was wondering if there are any treat ideas I could give them to keep them warm.(I have australorp and rhode island red)

 

[casportpony]

It’s been getting colder and was wondering if there are any treat ideas I could give them to keep them warm.(I have australorp and rhode island red)

Welcome to BYC!

 

[IamRainey]

I have read that chickens eat hot oatmeal. Of course, how long it's hot when you take it outside I'm not sure. You could add some raisins or grubs depending on whether you're thinking sweet or savory treats.

 

[N F C]

Take a look at this article for treat ideas:
chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens.47738

Keep treats to a minimum so the flock still eats it's nutritionally sound feed.

 

[centrarchid]

As temperatures drop, I increase the application of intact grains like corn, oats, millet, BOSS and sometimes wheat. Care is taken to ensure that still eat all of their complete diet so intake of protein, vitamins and the like are not compromised. The "treats" need not be heated when applied. I have been putting my treats out just before they go to roost as they likely already have a fair amount of balanced food already in their crops. The chickens will consume the treats even though they are satiated with respect to the balanced feed.

If you are where climate is mild, simply upping the amount of feed will do.

You can also approach this from angle where you make it easier for chickens to stay warm and dry. My default approach for confined chickens is to add hay so they can dig through it and otherwise stay on it to keep feet off colder surfaces.