Treats

[TexasChickenDance]

How often can you feed treats to chickens on a daily basis? Stuff like oatmeal, grits, corn meal mash. Every time I go out to the hens they come running looking to see if I have anything and I feel really bad when I don't.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I toss out a handful when I go out. I do mix it up some though. Sometimes it is BOSS, sometimes it is fresh greens. Sometimes it is grapes. Whatever is handy. They get scratch in the mornings only.
I like to reinforce that they are to come to me. It helps that they associate me with food. Makes it easier to get them back in the coop/run if need be.

As long as you are providing a nice balanced diet and aren't offering gobs of treats every time, you should be okay.

 

[catdaddy66]

Some give small amounts daily, others weekly. I will probably do something in between. The amount is dependent on the frequency, though. Unless they are for the table you do not want the ladies to get too large

 

[Lupine hens]

Here's my feeding routine everyday and I really think it's has worked well. I'm up in cold Canada and usually have been getting 8 to 10 eggs a day from 11 hens. In the early morn, 4 caps of layer mash. Early afternoon, 2 cups of scratch .1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of boss as well as whatever scraps come from the kitchen. My hubby says I feed them like pigs!! Then in the eve after I've closed the pop door, another 2 cups of layer mash.I probably spoil them but they have been super layers so far.

 

[little_grey_bantam]

I give my birdies pinkies (mice) from time to time. Since I raise them, I give them the extras I don't use lol which is often. THEY LOVE THEM!!!

Plus, it's really good protein!

 

[gsim]

Quote:
What do you use them for?

 

[TexasChickenDance]

What is boss?

 

[jennh]

Hi ! I feed my girls mini animal crackers as treats. That way I can control who gets how much. Also, I say their names every time I give them their treat. They REALLY DO know their names!

Jen

 

[MareeZoCool]

I am SO GLAD to see others that believe in feeding your ladies treats! DH & a friend of mine claim you should NEVER feed anything other than the packaged chickenfeed. I cannot abide by their ignorant theories. That's why I come here! ~ TO GET GOOD, SENSIBLE INFORMATION & OPINIONS!!

 

[ellieroo]

Lets see it varies from watermelon, the small one person kind, cantalope or grapes or cooked pasta, the favorite at the moment is papaya who knew? Not the black seeds but the flesh is all gone in minutes. They don't however like blueberries?