What Feed Do I Need To Give To My Flock In Winter?

[newmschickenmom]

I was just wondering now that the temps are dropping very rapidly, and it has been below at the freezing mark where I live, is there a different kind of chicken feed I need to be giving my birds? They have been given Purina Layena crumbles for the last six months. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Naser]

Give them some mixed corn before they go to bed, that helps to keep them warm.

 

[newmschickenmom]

Thank you.

 

[aart]

mixed corn

Is 'mixed corn' different than the probably mostly corn in the layer feed?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It isn't going to be significantly colder in MS in winter like in northern regions.
The protein needs won't change but if it gets very cold, they'll need more energy.
You can likely stay with what you have been feeding with one caveat, are they all still laying?

 

[newmschickenmom]

It isn't going to be significantly colder in MS in winter like in northern regions.
The protein needs won't change but if it gets very cold, they'll need more energy.
You can likely stay with what you have been feeding with one caveat, are they all still laying?

Yes, they are all still laying.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Give them some mixed corn before they go to bed, that helps to keep them warm.

NO it does not. Just feed a quality feed, as much as they will eat.

 

[Acre4Me]

Keep feeding them as usual. Make sure they have plenty available to eat before going to roost. Their feed intake usually increases in cold weather bc they are burning more calories staying warm. But, not sure how cold it gets in MS, but can’t imagine it’s extreme.

If they stop laying due to reduced light or molting, then you can switch to an all/flock or grower feed that doesn’t have the added calcium that a layer feed contains. Go back to a layer feed once their combs/wattles get red again and they start to lay eggs.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Is 'mixed corn' different than the probably mostly corn in the layer feed?

If you give them some cracked corn in the winter months it is said it will help add a little fat to them to help against the cold

 

[Duckfarmer1]

If you give them some cracked corn in the winter months it is said it will help add a little fat to them to help against the cold

Oops, I thought we were in the duck forum