4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[*mummy_hen*]

Is it safe to give hens the treat sticks that you can buy for rabbits, budgies, etc which are like bits of seed and corn all mulched together? Have seen them in the supermarkets for the past couple of weeks and keep thinking....oooh my girls would like one of those.

 

Is there anything in them that could be harmful to hens if it isn't harmful to other small animals?

 

Thanks,

 

Amy

Edited June 2, 2008 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

They might be too sweet if glued together with honey, and too many sunflower seeds aren't good for chickens, but one every now and then shouldn't harm them.

[Phosphorus]

too many sunflower seeds aren't good for chickens, but one every now and then shouldn't harm them.

 

Gosh didn't know that - I bought some sunflower seeds the other day in a pet shop because I thought they would like them. They seemed to love them. How often is okay to give them too them - I thought I remembered something about getting rid of worms with them so thought they must be okay for them

 

Thanks Egluntine - font of knowledge as always

[*mummy_hen*]

Thanks Egluntine, don't think my girls would ever get through a Pek-a-Blok (sp) so one of those once in a while might be a better option.

 

Think i will hang one up whilst i am at work one day and see how they get on!

[Egluntyne]

Phosphorus...an handful every now and then, say once a week should do no harm.

 

They are very fatty and can damage their livers if over done.

 

I didn't know this at first and used to give them some every night...and you are right...they love them.

[Phosphorus]

Phew thanks for that. You had me worried - I had only given them a handful on two occasions - trying not to overdo the treats

[TAJ]

We have been away for one week and though they were let out for some time every day they were in the run more than normal - they ate half a peck-a-block in a week - normally it goes untouched for weeks!

 

Tracy