When can you treat your chicks to cracked corn??

[funonahonda]

I have 4 to 6 week old chicks and they are free ranging some, When or can I now give them some cracken corn when they are free ranging??

 

[silkiechicken]

As long as it's not scorching hot out, a tiny bit will be fine now.

 

[funonahonda]

Why would it matter if it is hot out??

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Cracked corn heats up the chickens body temps so it should be very limited on super hot days. Helps keep them warm on real cold days.

 

[Davaroo]

Well said.

Corn is a high energy/low protein feed. We call it carbohydrate and they used to call such things 'carbonaceous'. Such feeds offer energy for the birds when it is cold, but do little extra when the weather is warm.

It can also dilute the nitrogenous elements of the diet, which we call protein. Corn only has about 10-12% protein. In warmer months, when the bird has little need of keeping the "fires burning," this dilution can be detrimental. The bird is busy with its business, procreating and generally "making hay" while the weather allows. For this they need protein in their food.

But chickens are stupid, God bless 'em. They will eat what they like with little regard for all the fuss we go through to provide them a good diet. Thus, you will find at least some of your flock prefers the corn and will eschew the more "proper" diet.

So it is recommended you stick to a balanced feed ration in the main, and only deviate from that when you know why you should.

 

[debbyluvschickens]

what is the best thing for them to eat?

 

[Davaroo]

what is the best thing for them to eat?

"... it is recommended you stick to a balanced feed ration in the main, and only deviate from that when you know why you should."​