Feeding

[Sue]

I will be getting my first hens in March and have been doing a lot of research. It seems that a lot of people feed pellets or mash in the morning and then give their birds corn in the afternoon. Is this the feeding regime that I should adopt? My hens will be POL when I get them. Should I start this feeding routine straight away? Some days I won't be home from work before dark so wouldn't be able to do this before they take themselves to bed (I will have an automatic pop hole to shut them in). Will it matter if they don't get the corn every day? I could give it to them at lunchtime, but would this be too early in the day?

 

[Davidd]

Hi Sue, they should have layers pellets ad-lib- just give them corn as a treat now and then- the pellets contain all they need- too much corn makes them fat -they will always eat the corn over the pellets given the chance!
So, in answer to your question- make sure your feeder is always filled with pellets and give them a handful of corn as and when -daily if you wish.
regards, David

 

[Sue]

Thanks David, I was worried that they would expect it every day if I starting giving it to them, but if I just give them some corn occasionally then that won't become a problem. Perhaps I can use it to get them used to me and try feeding it from my hand if they're really keen on it.

 

[Aileen]

Thats a good idea, its what a lot of us do/did. Works a treat as they love it... give it a week or so and they will quite literally "be eating out of your hand" All the best for when they come, they're great fun x

 

[hedgerow pete]

i have a townie rat issue so my lot are feed there food in the morning and when they are finished the food tray is lifted out of the way and then they get what ever greens are avalible from the allotments, but i would never leave food down for any time durring the day

 

[Anonymous]

A lot depends on the breed as well.
If I fed my birds just layers pellets what skinny rakes the Pekins would be and the Aussies would be about just right for layers.
All my birds get ad lib layers with mixed corn as a scratch feed in the afternoon, the amount and content varies dependent on their needs.