Jennyhenny Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Hi all, How much afternoon treats should I be giving for 3 girls. Jennyhenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 I just give a handful or two of mixed corn to get them back in the run as otherwise they roost up a tree! ( they are bantams and free range all day). I think others give similar in the afternoon- it's important not to give them so much they don't eat the layers pellets or mash - which is what helps them produce the eggs. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 If your hens are new and not laying yet, I wouldn't give too many treats at all until they've come into lay. They need the nutrition in their chicken feed at the moment and treats will dilute that. Once they are laying you can try them on most things. Again don't go overboard as you will get less eggs. And I only give treats in the afternoon so they eat pellets in the morning. Take a look at the list in FAQ for some ideas and bear in mind that chickens change their tastes as they grow up. My girls hated carrot last year, now they love it....?? viewtopic.php?f=42&t=12659&view=unread#unread That said.... as Patricia W rightly says, a small amount of mixed dried corn is a fabulous inducement to get them back into the run when they have been free ranging. I use about an egg cup full for 4 hens. So worth getting some. A good treat tip that doesn't involve s"Ooops, word censored!"s is "pellet porridge". Just their normal feed (either pellets or layers mash) added to warm water to make a sludge. They love it and fall on it like gannets. It's also useful to slip in the odd suppliment (like Poultry Spice etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annettec Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 The pellet porridge is a great idea thanks. I have been only giving mine one handful of corn late pm but was a little concerned they are not eating enough pellets as they are not laying yet. Will try it tomorrow to see if it means they eat more pellets. Did try a tbsp of tinned sweetcorn this pm as had some left over from kids tea. They loved it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Dried mealworms, sweetcorn and spaghetti are all good favourties of my little monkeys!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
