zmurffi Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Hi all, Here on the North Norfolk coast we have been hit with the snow and freezing temperatures too. I keep seeing that others are giving their hens warm porridge in the morning or afternoon. Is it normal porridge oats with water/milk or is there something else that you are referring to. Some special chicken porridge. Also do you add other things to it, fresh or dried fruit, veggies etc. Hens didn't want to come out of the run at all today even though the door was open, first snow they have seen and not impressed. Want to give them something warm tomorrow to cheer them up. Have kept the potato & carrot peelings to boil up for tomorrow but would like to do porridge too. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 I use pellets with hot water then chuck in cod liver oil, poultry spice, crushed egg shell, some porridge oats, weetabix, mixed corn, garvo, mealworms or whatever I have. It makes sure they get their pellets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Hello, I just add warm water to my ex-batt crumb and they LOVE IT! They eat it with gusto, whether or not I've added corn, mealworms, carrot/cucumber peelings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy33 Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 I use the cheapest porridge oats I can buy and then mix about 3 tablespoons with water and microwave for about a minute, then If its too thick I mix in some cold water. I add to the porridge mix chopped apple , sultanas, seeds or anyleft overs. I give them porridge every night before bed so that they go to bed warm and full, it got them happily through last winters snow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Mine is just two thirds crumb and one third corn with some poultry spice. Occasionally if I have other stuff left over I put a bit in, such as dregs from the breakfast cereal. Mostly I try and keep it to chicken food to make sure they get it. They seem to like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Mine's just pellets mixed with hot water...they love it! Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginfiend Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 I gave my ladies just porridge mixed with water (I'm a newbie so still getting to grips with it all) - they were not impressed at all....looked at it, pecked it and walked away... Maybe it's all in the extras you add to it... I think I still have a lot to learn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 ive just made 2 bowls 4 my 4 chucks of cheapest value oats mixed with boiling water from kettle. it was too hot so i added some cold water then i added carrot tops & sprout outer leaves & bits of lettuce. it was sooo easy & quick and vanished in the same sort of time . it even tempted the lazy orps out from i wish i had discovered this sooner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Mine get layers pellets mixed with warm water and a bit of poultry spice added in. ...so that would be their normal rations with warm water and they think they have a fantastic treat! Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 I just use porridge oats cooked in the microwave and cooled down - sometimes I add some raisins. I wouldn't use milk, I avoid dairy products for the hens. They don't need it, honestly, pellets are fine but it makes me feel better to give them this in cold weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky chicken Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I just use layers mash and a few porridge oats - plus anything that's in the compost bin, (cooked veggie peelings etc) then I add corn and a few mealworms - they have this for breakfast and then more late in the afternoon before they go to bed - they love it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexbex Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 mine just like porridge oats straight out of the bag... lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 exbatt mash nearly boiled water grapes poultry tonic and the best bit as far as the girls are concerned...... 3 dollops of yoghurt. followed by warm corn in the afternoon God they're spoilt. and quite right too in this weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Layers pellets Hot water Tablespoon olive oil Dried cranberries Mixed corn. All mixed together to a porridgey consistency. They love it. If it's worming time, they will happily scoff it with flubenvet mixed in. Also sometimes add poultry spice if they are in need of a pick me up, or limestone flour if soft shells are a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
