mullethunter Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 One of my new POL Araucana bantams has been passing some grains of completely undigested corn in her poo for the last 2 or 3 days. I'm not sure which one it is but they're both otherwise acting and eating normally. They have about half a small mug of corn between 6 bantams most evening, otherwise just pellets, a few sunflower hearts, and whatever they forage whilst out and about. Should I be worried? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 I don't know, but thinking about it we don't digest all of the corn we eat if you look so maybe it is the same for chickens. I'm sure someone will know though and be able to tell us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 29, 2016 Author Share Posted October 29, 2016 That's true, but even if it's not a cause for concern completely whole grains of corn certainly isn't normal - at least not for mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 Hmmm, that's interesting then Are they getting enough grit I wonder or maybe the corn went too quickly through her system ? Have you given them some more corn since and the same thing happen ? I hope she is OK, as I said, someone is bound to know the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 It occasionally happens with ours when they don't have enough grit. We don't have a separate container, just add some with the pellets in the feeders. If there is too much grit we stop adding and sometimes forget to start again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 30, 2016 Author Share Posted October 30, 2016 Actually they haven't had any grit for ages - I always assume they'll pick enough up when free ranging but maybe they don't always. Thanks both, I'll try that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted October 30, 2016 Share Posted October 30, 2016 It's not normal for my ladies either but could it be the dark evenings/shorter days catching them out? I have had a few weird softies recently, maybe it's their bodies adjusting to the winter months? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 I wouldn't worry unnecessarily, actually I would stop feeding them corn Layers pellets is a complete diet with all the protein, vitamins and minerals needed to keep them healthy and laying. As they are POL and (probably) not laying yet they won't be using as much energy as they will be to produce eggs and so it may be that they are eating more than maintenance and some food is left undigested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 9, 2016 Author Share Posted November 9, 2016 Thanks Lewis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 I'd still give them grit Mullethunter. All food passes through the same system and if it is surplus to requirements they will simply store it as fat. Just pellets need some grinding as they can contain quite large particles. Even though they are not laying they now have long nights without food and water and the temperatures are low. We use 80% of our food intake for body heat so it is important to eat and digest properly enough. A full crop of partially indigestible material is of little use in Winter and will lead to problems. Some wheat is good in Winter as it is a slow energy release material and when it gets very cold ours get a small portion just before bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 10, 2016 Author Share Posted November 10, 2016 They have a pot of grit now, and are getting corn much less frequently now because I'm not always home in time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I'm another one who doesn't feed extras, but if you want to treat them in the winter, then mix up some hot water with pellets, mealworms and a little porridge oats in a bowl for when they go back in the run in the afternoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
