Treats

[foghornleghorn21]

I have 4 hybrid red sex links 17 wks old. They're eating there chicken feed well. It's the treats that they don't eat. I know corn isn't a treat but they won't eat whole corn. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, alfalfa, apples, they won't eat. They LOVE watermelon! The red meat only. Are they just that picky? Anyone else have this problem?

 

[chickenlittle21]

Corn is actually considered a treat due to have a low to no nutritional value for chickens. It sounds like they're just picky.

 

[orloffer]

I know some chickens don't like whole corn. My chickens have a list of treats they aren't interested in too. So, yes, chickens are kind of picky.
Mine also love watermelon!

 

[OmnipotentOrpington]

It all depends on the chickens. My chickens love mealworms and crunchy foods, but they HATE anything remotely wet or juicy. (Berries, melons, etc)

 

[foghornleghorn21]

Thanks! Sounds like I have picky chicks!

 

[aart]

I have 4 hybrid red sex links 17 wks old. They're eating there chicken feed well. It's the treats that they don't eat. I know corn isn't a treat but they won't eat whole corn. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, alfalfa, apples, they won't eat. They LOVE watermelon! The red meat only. Are they just that picky? Anyone else have this problem?

Anything outside the ration is a 'treat', IMO.
Keep it to a minimum for maximum health and production.
What is their "chicken feed"...protein and calcium percentages?

 

[foghornleghorn21]

Protein...16%. Calcium...Min 3.25...max 4.25

 

[orchidcrazy]

Watermelon, grapes, cabbage, rice, corn on the cob, basil beet greens. So far they have not liked cooked green beans or bell peppers. They inhale zucchini and summer squash. I had bought a hanging commercial chicken treat - they won't touch it, but I love the hanging attachment it came with so we tossed the treat and use the bar for cabbage heads, etc. Makes them work a bit harder for their food than just laid out in a bowl and keeps them busy for longer.

 

[KarynVA]

My golden comets (I have 3) are 16 weeks old and they've never taken to treats of people food; except plums. They will eat plums but pretty much everything else they ignore (including boiled egg and watermelon). They love scratch grains and dried mealworms.

 

[aart]

Protein...16%. Calcium...Min 3.25...max 4.25

Minimal protein for layers.