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[Busybusy 2]

Hi all, my eglu is arriving on Mon 3rd and chickens to follow very soon after.. I just wondered what will I feed them ? It's a minefield out there ......

I'm sure the chicken farmer will try and sell me what he has but I went to Pets at Home today and there's Layers pellet and mash ?

What do you feed your chickens ?

Any advise would be great .

Thank you Busy Busy

[clucker1]

How old will your chickens be? If they are point of lay ie around 16 weeks plus, they can have pellets. Just for your info, I looked at Pets at Home for rabbit food and they were charging double compared with my local animal feed merchant. Good luck with your new chickens, it is so exciting and fun!

[Purplemaniacs]

Welcome to the forum Busybusy 2.

 

If they are point of lay they will need layers pellets or layers mash. I feed layer pellets, some people prefer mash as it takes them longer to eat so it helps to keep them occupied but it can be messier.

 

If you look at local pet and equine shops they may sell layers pellets and mash.

 

If they are younger than POL they will need growers.

 

Chrissie

 

[Goldie]

If you can afford Pets At Home I'd say the hens will be perfectly happy! If you'd prefer your bank balance to be a little happier, check if you have a 'Jollyes' near you, they do a lot of chicken products. I get 20kg for under £9, which they have assured me is Dodson & Horrell re-bagged just for Jollyes, but the hens are great on it and eggs very tasty.

I've also read that pellets are much less messy than feeding mash, and what they don't know they won't miss

[chuckmum6]

6/8 wk - 16/18 weeks Growers pellets or mash, then layers pellets or mash, introduce it gradually mixing more layers into the growers each day until they are on layers. This is a complete food, which you can supplement with greens and mixed corn, give the latter in the afternoon or evening to ensure they fill up on their complete food. Don't forget to have poultry grit available to strengthen their shells and to help them break up the food - chickens have no teeth!

Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens!

[Busybusy 2]

Thank you everyone . They will be point of lay when I get them.

I will be getting the food from an animal suppliers, I was just getting ideas really.

Am I right in that they only need layers pellets or mash with corn / cabbage/ peelings as treats

Thanks again

[Leicester_H]

Hi

 

All they NEED is pellets (or mash).

However, most people give them some (sensible) treats in the afternoon when they have eaten enough pellets to keep them healthy.

Its also useful for getting them back in the run if you let them out to free range - we only let ours free range if we are out there with them because of (urban) foxes.

 

See my post (4th one) on this thread

http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=84816&hilit=+marching

 

This page lists some treats (and some things NEVER to give them)

http://wiki.omlet.co.uk/index.php?title=Things_your_chickens_might_like_to_eat

 

H

 

PS - they also NEED grit to eat - should be available all the time (1kg bag cost approx £1.50).

[Busybusy 2]

Thank you H your advice is very useful .

I'll def try the whistle/ bowl technique too......

Regards, busy busy