WHAT IS GOING ON?!

[Chicken poppy]

I do have a 20% feed! I will empty their food dishes & switch them to that immediately.

Would veggies also be considered a treat? I either give them cucumbers, butternut squash or watermelon once every few days.

I would personally, say its treats. I think its totally fine to give them, but you definitely should known when you should, and what they can eat. Make sure its in moderation, though.

 

[3KillerBs]

Would veggies also be considered a treat? I either give them cucumbers, butternut squash or watermelon once every few days.

The usual rule with even healthy treats is to keep it under 10% of their diet -- which is a really tiny quantity.

A great "treat" that chickens absolutely LOVE is their feed wetted into an oatmeal-like consistency. They think it's just amazing and gobble it up like kids with candy.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Yep, i make it, i call it “mash” you add some water, warm mixes best, to their dry. Stir it up.

I notice some like different textures, its really not that big of a deal, i just make it different depending on if the chicken has trouble grabbing it, or seems to like it softer. Don’t think it matters that much but

 

[TheBirdBabe]

The usual rule with even healthy treats is to keep it under 10% of their diet -- which is a really tiny quantity.

A great "treat" that chickens absolutely LOVE is their feed wetted into an oatmeal-like consistency. They think it's just amazing and gobble it up like kids with candy.

Mine also love this! I usually put some spices in & they like it. I haven't thought to do it here lately since I usually do it with warm water in the wwinter. I'll try that though! Thanks for the ideas!

 

[Chicken poppy]

Mine also love this! I usually put some spices in & they like it. I haven't thought to do it here lately since I usually do it with warm water in the wwinter. I'll try that though! Thanks for the ideas!

I just make a soup thing. I add all types of stuff into it(sometimes) on occasion.

Like oregano and basil!

Another thing, i will sometimes do is take a leaf, put the mash mixture in the center, even add some clovers and what not, roll it up, and squeeze it out for them.

Its kinda easier and less messy (usually!) and doesn’t require dirtying a dish.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

Since layer is already minimal in it's nutritional quality (being designed for the needs of commercial caged layers for their single-season laying life), adding this other stuff to it is almost certainly detrimental to the flock's health and contributing to laying problems.

@U_Stormcrow has a spreadsheet with the nutritional information for various feed ingredients to help people who home mix feed.

You would probably do best to immediately put your flock onto a 20% all-flock with oystershell on the side and NO TREATS.

How long would you estimate me keeping them on a 20% feed? After that period, should I switch them back to layer?

 

[3KillerBs]

How long would you estimate me keeping them on a 20% feed? After that period, should I switch them back to layer?

Many people here keep their chickens on 18-20% all-flock feed for their entire lives -- offering oystershell free-choice for the layers.

As previously noted, that 16% layer feed is formulated to meet the needs of commercial-strain caged layers for their single year of laying life.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

Many people here keep their chickens on 18-20% all-flock feed for their entire lives -- offering oystershell free-choice for the layers.

As previously noted, that 16% layer feed is formulated to meet the needs of commercial-strain caged layers for their single year of laying life.

Ah, perfect! I didn't know what the actual difference was between the two. I will get some oyster shell today to offer along with the "egg powder" I give them.

Thank you again for all the helpful info!

 

[3KillerBs]

Ah, perfect! I didn't know what the actual difference was between the two. I will get some oyster shell today to offer along with the "egg powder" I give them.

Thank you again for all the helpful info!

You're welcome. Sharing information for better chicken-keeping is what this place does best.

 

[Chicken poppy]

You're welcome. Sharing information for better chicken-keeping is what this place does best.