Winter feeding

[cjexotic]

I am with you on the cold weather.. don't like it a bit.
As for feeding the only thing I do different is throw out handfulls of black oil sunflower seeds. Also a hot food plus good for feathers and good at turning up the deep litter to keep it dry.

 

[PAJerry]

I feed a mix of BOSS and wheat sprouts daily, as greens are not readily available. I also give them cabbage when it is cheap.

 

[HidingInTheHenHouse]

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Your chickens actually eat dried hay? How do you feed it to them?

 

[norahschicks]

Hi All
I think we are headed for a rough winter in the northeast!!! this will be my chickens first winter! What do you all do for water, do you change it daily or use a warmer? will my chickens want to be out in their run as much, ( i guess if i shovel it for them) and for the corn.....are you guys cooking it then giving it?? HMMm ut should be interesting. their coop is my old dog house transformed to chicken home. I shoved hay all under their home for insulation, hope it works!!!

 

[sonew123]

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I totally agree:-( Im not looking forward to the long winter season-I have 45+ and when they arent free ranging food bill doubles!!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

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That's not quite right. It is considered a "hot" feedstock because it is high in calories, not because it makes the birds hot. It does not raise their body temperature, per se, but it does give them the extra energy needed to maintain in cold weather. The birds energy requirements go up in cold weather because they are expending more energy to maintain their body temperature, so they tend to eat more.

That being said, corn is a good supplement to a layer ration for cold weather because it increases caloric intake without adding unnecessary amounts of protein and trace minerals.