PeggySue1 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Hi all, we have been giving our girls, three ex-batts, warm porridge about half an hour before bedtime as it is really getting cold here with sea winds. They absolutely love it even pecking it off each others beaks. However, we have noticed that their poo has become rather runny overnight, whereas their poos before porridge were always perfect. Should we stop the porridge or is this just a gut adjustment and we should carry on? We check their crops in the morning and they're fine. If we have to stop the porridge, what alternative can we use to keep our ladies' tummies warm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I am not an expert but I would change from porridge to hot what ever feed you usually give your girls. I chuck come hot water and poulty spice into the pellets I use. They go potty for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Put some Bokashi Bran or/and garlic powder in it? That may help... Not sure if you made it any less runny so less liquid intake if that would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Remember that they don't actually need hot food, it's just we softpot humans that like to think they do! I'm sure I read that mixed corn is good for them in colder weather, as it takes a long time to digest and gives a slow release of energy to keep them warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 It's probably just that they are getting extra fluid in the mix. Mine do that, don't worry What do you mean by porridge? To me it is layers pellets and warm water + whatever I chuck in. I have given them porridge oats before but only occasionally. If you put milk in it could upset them and make them loose. If you want to warm them up in winter I would do what Barkisland says and give them some corn or wheat at night which is supposed to take longer to digest and replaces the energy they loose keeping warm. Chicken skin is warm as toast. mmmm lovely gloves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 My comments are the same as Plums - what do you mean by porridge - my porridge is layers pellets mixed with warm water. Do not use human porridge, it is not balanced and probably too high in salt for them to cope with. Also they can cope very well with cold weather. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I give mine warm porridge occasionally before they go to bed when it's cold, there's no harm in it it's only oats after all (make sure it is salt free though) and use warm water not milk, which I'm sure you do anyway. It's only a treat so as long as they're eating their layers where's the harm!? They love it! They do looser poops but that's only because of the extra liquid they have taken in so don't worry about that. Let them enjoy their porridge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
