Best liner/ bedding for drop tray

[Suzy]

Hi,

 

I read somewhere the other day that feeding hens wheat is a good way to reduce egg laying (my two old girls could do with slowing down) and if there's a way of minimising the amount of energy they put into laying or trying to lay it might be worth considering.

 

Poor Lottie keeps trying to lay and all it ends up with is a soft egg and I am worried about her prolapsing or getting egg bound.

 

Has anyone ever tried this and has it been successful? Also, what wheat to use?

 

Thanks

 

Suzy

[The Dogmother]

I have used indigo wheat in the past (available from Wiggly Wigglers), it has more protein and is less fattening than corn.

[Redwing]

Wheat can be bought by the sack from a local agricultural merchants or horse feed shop

 

50/50 wheat and pellets doesnt slow down egg production but going more than 50% wheat cuts down on vital nutrients so its a tricky balance

 

try searching on here for Griffins posts about mixing her own feed, it gives details about what needs to be added to supplement pure grains

 

Barley is another straight feed that can be mixed in, avoid oats unless they are rolled oats, Maize can be part of the diet but as a reletively small percentage

[Griffin]

http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50618&hilit=barley

 

It wasn't my thread But yes I do feed a mixed grain diet. Initially there was a drop in egg production but certainly not now. It has helped Valerie who had egg laying problems, her eggs are infrequent now but at least they're whole, before the shells either broke or were like sandpaper.