Jump to content
alderandash

How much corn is too much...?!

Recommended Posts

I'm a newbie, and was just wondering how much corn is usual to feed? I've been giving mash ad lib in the day - they take some but not loads, as they free range most of the day and seem to eat lots of grass, bugs etc. Then I've been giving a handful or so of mixed corn (plus sometimes extra bits/greens) in the evening - sometimes it all gets eaten, but often a bit is left. I've been having serious bullying problems and just read something saying that corn is 'heating' and can make hens a bit hyper and aggressive if fed in hot weather. Is this true?? Should corn just be a cold weather thing? (I've got friends with hens who give a generous cup of corn each evening, and others who never feed it...so I'm confused :oops: ). Thank you!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well it depends on how many hens you have! A handful should be fine, but if you are giving them more than they are eating then I think you have your answer - give them a little bit less. I tend to give a handful between six of mine, but it's usually just to get them back into the run after free-ranging, or to move them out of the way so I can get in without one escaping when I want to top up feeders.

 

If you feed too many treats, you may find that they are not eating all their pellets/mash and laying may be reduced. They should have access to pellets or mash all day, so that they can eat as much as they want. You'll find they start eating a lot more when they are laying. I don't think it matters if it's hot or cold weather.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think there could be as many answers as there are chicken keepers!

 

I think most would agree that 'too much' is not good, because it's fattening and rather 'empty calories' - it doesn't contain much nutrition for them: it's just a treat. (rather like us having a chocolate bar)

 

Also like us and chocolate, some (probably not many, but have definitely heard of some) hens aren't terribly keen on it as a treat and prefer something else (if you rummage thro the threads you'll find a great many ideas)

 

I give my two a handful in the morning (which you're not supposed to do :oops: ) to get mine in the 'day run' and another handful in the evening to get them back in the coop. I do have very small hands mind :lol:

 

In other words there isn't a definitive answer - like giving kids chocolate; some parents will; some won't most will sometimes etc - you find what works for you

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...