4Clucks-minusOne Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I have three chickens...a Bluebelle, a Daiseybelle and a Black Rock. During the cold weather I have been giving them a mugful of layer pellets and half a mug of oats mixed with some warm water which they love, but I am not sure if I am overfeeding them. Their crops are bulging by the time they have finished and they always finish it all. Their crops are still full by late afternoon but they still clammer for treats again eating anything they are given. I have not wormed them as I only got them 8 weeks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hello, welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Short answer - yes, they can and if they're too fat they won't lay! If they eat pellets or free-range a lot, then they're not likely to over-eat because it takes them a while to eat, but feeding too many treats can fatten them up. However I don't think half a mugful of porridge between three - if that's what I'm understanding - is going to be a problem. To be honest, I think chickens will ALWAYS clamour for food! They are greedy little things, and as soon as mine hear the back door open they start up. Their crops should be full at the end of the day, as that's what gets them through the night. Welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larkspurs Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 If we are talking about controlling diet then probably the most tried and tested way is to let them munch on pellets for the majority of the day. This will let them cram their crops with all the stuff they need to produce eggs and maintain good health. I'm actually unsure what the recommended amount of pellets is per day...it must be posted here somewhere so if anyone finds it please post up! It will alter during lay and preparing for lay. During lay it will rocket. Later in the day (and I'm talking after 3pm really) it's treat time. That's if you want them to have treats at all...and the reason I say that is if they have mucky bottys or funny poos you need to stabilise their diet and cut treats out. There's probably no denying that they can overfeed on pellets if more are available than the recommended dose but from what I've read here it's the loving treats that are more likely to cause fat hens. But on saying that, it's really hard to resist giving treats! It's up to you as they only eat what they are given or allowed access to. In your example I'd give them pellets first then later give the oats as the pellets are the primary nutrition source and oats release energy slowly and will help them keep warm through the night. From what you say though I don't think you're overfeeding them. Cheers, John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Corn is hard to digest and fills them up, crowding out the moor nutritious food. It will affect their laying and make them fat. The recommendation to give only pellets until afternoon, and just a small handful of corn late in the day is best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Just wanted to say hello and welcome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Clucks-minusOne Posted February 1, 2009 Author Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thank for your kind advice and welcome. I am amazed that no matter how much they have eaten they will always gulp down more as if they have not eaten for a month. My observations after 8 weeks of hen keeping: They have filled my life with a new sense of pleasure and fulfilment and I continue to be bemused that every morning, almost without fail, three lovely brown eggs appear. I have taught nursery and infants the wonders of nature for over 25 years, yet still each morning I am filled with a sense of joy, wonder and amazement. I must thank my partner for coercing me into buying my eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 It's great, isn't it! I still get that thrill every time I see an egg too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Welcome to the forum . Congratulations on your new girls . Can't add to the good advice already given, but bear in mind they digest their food overnight so their crops will be full until they go to bed . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
