Treats?

[DobieClose]

I have 7 chickens. My grandchildren (and me) love to hand feed scratch and meal worms. I think we must be giving them too many treats because they only go through about 2 cups of feed a day. They were hatched 4/4/2022 and are on grower feed. Are we giving them too much of what they want instead of what they need?
Also, when should I start switching to layer feed? They are a little over 16 weeks and I have 1 rooster and 6 hens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

How much in treats would you estimate you're handing out? Best to keep treats to 10% or less of their intake.

I find that my chickens will get excited if I even throw their regular feed pellets on the ground, no need to specifically throw them treats.

As far as the layer feed question, are you planning to keep the cockerel long term or is he going to be a dinner guest? The extra calcium in layer feed can possibly build up over time and cause organ damage in roosters since they can't utilize it.

 

[DobieClose]

How much in treats would you estimate you're handing out? Best to keep treats to 10% or less of their intake.

I find that my chickens will get excited if I even throw their regular feed pellets on the ground, no need to specifically throw them treats.

As far as the layer feed question, are you planning to keep the cockerel long term or is he going to be a dinner guest? The extra calcium in layer feed can possibly build up over time and cause organ damage in roosters since they can't utilize it.

They’re really just pets. Eggs are a nice bonus. Is there any way around the rooster health?
I haven’t really kept track of percentages. 2 cups of feed eaten just seemed like a small amount.
These are my 1st chickens. No eggs yet.
And the rooster was an accident. I purchased 7 day-old females.

 

[nuthatched]

Back off on the treats to only once 9r twice a week, it's like cheetos, tasty but not healthy. It causes health issues like fat build up around the heart.
Grower is fine for everyone, but once they start laying, you can put oysters shellscript out in a dish or do a 60/40 mix of grower/layer.

 

[DobieClose]

Back off on the treats to only once 9r twice a week, it's like cheetos, tasty but not healthy. It causes health issues like fat build up around the heart.
Grower is fine for everyone, but once they start laying, you can put oysters shellscript out in a dish or do a 60/40 mix of grower/layer.

That sounds good. I’ve been weak when they start pecking on my sliding door. I’ll start trying to give them their feed when they’re eating out of my hand.

 

[Brooks_]

2 cups is about on par with quarter cup each. Things sound fine though I agree with others to really watch the treats

 

[DobieClose]

2 cups is about on par with quarter cup each. Things sound fine though I agree with others to really watch the treats

Thank you. I will.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Wetted feed is a HUGE hit with my girls and it feels like a treat( I tell myself it is) and they act like it's amazing! At least that way they're getting healthy stuff. If it's hot they just don't eat as much here.

 

[3KillerBs]

That 10% of the diet amounts to no more than a tablespoon or so of treats.

I’ll start trying to give them their feed when they’re eating out of my hand.

Personally, I avoid hand-feeding chicks because as they get older the pecks get too hard to be comfortable.

 

[DobieClose]

That 10% of the diet amounts to no more than a tablespoon or so of treats.



Personally, I avoid hand-feeding chicks because as they get older the pecks get too hard to be comfortable.

Mine are just pets. Their only purpose is to love and be loved. We hand feed them and cuddle them constantly.