sandyhas3chucks Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Wheat? Any thoughts ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I feed mine cucumber, and also soak fruit ect so it has more water, and sometimes put a few ice cubes in the water.. Really funny to watch them peck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyChickenLover- Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Lots of useful info here : **LINK** • It is absolutely crucial that there is plenty of water available. If you have to be out during the day, it is a good idea to provide an extra drinker (or two) so that they can drink freely.• Adding a handful of icecubes will keep it cooler for longer. • Chopping up cucumber or grapes and putting it in a dish of water will encourage them to take in more fluid, as they ‘bob’ for the pieces. • If you have a broody hen, encourage her off the nest to take a comfort break a couple of times a day, and try to ensure that she has a big drink. • Soaking dried grains such as wheat in water and giving it to the broody is a useful way of getting more fluid into her. • Adding a supplement such as Lifeguard Tonic to the drinking water can help them with the stress aspect of really hot weather. • Place drinkers in the shade to minimise evaporation. Galvanised drinkers can get extremely hot. • Corn. As this has heating properties, it might be as well not to feed this during excessively hot weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I put some crushed ice in the water bowl and they loved it - they spent ages pecking it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I feed mine normally and just ensure there is plenty of fresh water and shade available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 i cook rice then rinse in cold water and put it in the fridge; they love cold cooked rice. I also buy little gem lettuces (50p for 2 in Aldi) and give them those to eat straight from the fridge. ETA- that's only as a treat though, lots of fresh water, normal food and shade is adequate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammiboo Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 i feed mine normally but ensure there is plenty of water available Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 For a treat, I give mine frozen peas. They go mad for them. They're like chicken ice pops! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 For a treat, I give mine frozen peas. They go mad for them. They're like chicken ice pops! oooh that's a great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 25, 2011 Author Share Posted April 25, 2011 Thank you all but I think I should be more specific. What is the best quality food to feed during hot weather. "corn" is considered too warming. However I am unsure what exactly IS meant by "corn" Mixed "corn," has wheat maize(which is technically corn) peas, wheat, oats... I have non layers that eat various grains, ... whilst the layers still eat mash, mine always have access to mixed corn and choose what to eat, they are not "stupid" eaters... ie if I were to leave sunflower hearts add lib they would only eat what they feel necessary....., then eat something else... However if there is a specific food group that would be better off removing.... I am not looking for foods/treats to cool them down, rather remove anything that my be heating them up.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I would only feed corn - mixed or otherwise - as a treat. Layers pellets or mash, whatever they are used to, is fine and plenty of water - they don't need anything special in hot weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Of all of the grains wheat is probably the best bet for summer feeding/treats You can soak it to hydrate a hot chook/broody You can also sprout it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 For a treat, I give mine frozen peas. They go mad for them. They're like chicken ice pops! When it's REALLY hot (not hot enough yet ), I hang up frozen corn on the cob in the run For this kind of weather, its lettuce and grapes straight from the fridge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyChickenLover- Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 When it's REALLY hot (not hot enough yet ), I hang up frozen corn on the cob in the run Are my chickens the only ones in the world that don't like corn on the cob? It give it to them and they just ignore it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 When it's REALLY hot (not hot enough yet ), I hang up frozen corn on the cob in the run Are my chickens the only ones in the world that don't like corn on the cob? It give it to them and they just ignore it! you know when you see a shoal of piranha converge on a piece of meat and when they disperse it's stripped to the bone? That's our girls with corn on the cob! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyChickenLover- Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 you know when you see a shoal of piranha converge on a piece of meat and when they disperse it's stripped to the bone? That's our girls with corn on the cob! When I bring my girls corn on the cob they look at me like they're saying "Is that all you bought us!? Bo-ring!!" and just walk away! I tried picking of some of the kernels because they love corn off the cob, but they're not intrested! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Wheat doesn't have a huge nutritional value. I only let them have it for something to scratch around for,, or if I have a hen that needs a rest from laying. In hot weather mine have a normal diet, plenty of fresh cold water, and if they are especially good, a nice slice of watermelon to peck at. There is a sticky about hot weather and hens at the top of the section, for general advice. *Click*. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
